Personal access management system

ABSTRACT

A multi-component system for linking a user to a product or service provider includes a user processing device, a storage device, and a provider device. The storage device stores provider-specific application software, user-specific data, and a file management program. The storage device and the processing device are coupled to each other to form a user device which communicates with the provider device. Under direction of the file management program, the processing device carries out a recognition methodology which determines whether the processing device and the storage device are authorized to operate with each other. This aspect of the system makes it possible to render the storage device operable only with a specific user processing device, referred to as the principal processing device. This, in turn, reduces the possibility of fraud since the storage device cannot be used without the principal processing device. Once it is determined that the processing and storage devices are authorized to interact with each other, the processing device executes the provider-specific application software to exchange information with the provider device. Together, the user and provider devices implement unique recognition and comprehension methodologies to ensure that the parties are authorized to communicate with each other and to ensure that the information exchanged cannot be understood by third parties. Overall, the system provides a highly secure mechanism for transferring information from one party to another.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to transactional, communication, andauthorization systems, and more particularly to a multi-component systemwhich implements unique recognition and comprehension methodologies toverify party identities and to ensure session security.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For a number of years now, tremendous efforts have been devoted todevising systems for linking consumers with product and serviceproviders which would allow the consumers to communicate and to transactwith the providers from remote locations, such as from their homes. Suchefforts have produced some systems which have received a small degree ofacceptance. Examples include home shopping networks (such as QVC), homeentertainment systems (such as DirecTV), remote stock transactionsystems (such as Reuters), and automatic teller machine (ATM) systems.While these remote systems have gained some acceptance, there still is,for the most part, an absence of a generally and widely accepted systemfor conducting business from a remote site.

The failure of the presently existing systems can be attributed to anumber of different factors. One possible factor is cost, both in termsof the providers' cost and the cost to the consumers. Currently,consumers are typically linked to providers not directly but throughaggregators. The presence of an aggregator adds a middleman to thebusiness process which in turn increases the cost to the consumers. Highcost is a reason that many consumers hesitate to buy products through anelectronic system. The reason that aggregators are necessary is that thelinking systems currently used consist of complex, proprietary equipmentwhich are expensive to operate and to maintain. The high cost of such asystem presents a formidable barrier to providers who wish to linkthemselves directly to consumers.

Another possible factor for the failure of the existing systems is thelack of an overall standard system which can be applied generally to anumber of different applications. The existing linking systems are, forthe most part, application-specific systems. That is, each system isspecifically designed to carry out a particular purpose. Typically,proprietary methodologies are implemented and proprietary equipment isused. Application-specific systems are usually effective for theirintended purposes; however, they do have a significant practicaldrawback in that they tend to proliferate the use of a large number ofdifferent methods and systems. The problem with the proliferation of amyriad of methods and systems is that they force consumers to buydifferent equipment for each application, and to learn to use adifferent system for each application. This makes it very expensive fora consumer to be linked to a large number of providers, and it alsoimposes a heavy time burden on the consumer. Many consumers areunwilling to invest the money or the time needed to take advantage ofthe existing proprietary linking systems. A more general system, usablein a variety of different applications, would be more readily accepted.

High cost and the lack of a generally applicable system are factorswhich have contributed to the failure of the existing linking systems,but probably the most important factor is that of security. Many peopleinherently distrust machines and, hence, are reluctant to conductimportant matters by way of machines in the first place. This distrustis only exacerbated by reports of fraud being perpetrated on electronicsystems. In order to be successful, a linking system needs to ensurethat user transactions and communications will be secure. This involvesboth verifying that the proper parties are conducting the transaction,and ensuring that information transferred between the parties cannot beintercepted and used fraudulently by third parties. Thus far, nogenerally applicable system which is cost effective and convenient touse performs this function satisfactorily. Hence, there exists a needfor an improved system for linking users to providers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided amulti-component system, comprising a processing device, a storagedevice, and a provider device, which implements unique recognition andcomprehension methodologies to ensure that transactions conducted fromremote locations are secure. In the system of the present invention, theprocessing device and the storage device couple to each other to form anoverall user device, and once formed, this user device establishes alink with the provider device to communicate with a particular provideror a particular group of providers. In the preferred embodiment, theprocessing device provides the processing and communicationcapabilities, while the storage device provides the instructionsnecessary for communicating with a specific provider device. Preferably,the processing device executes the instructions stored on the storagedevice to communicate with the specific provider. In the system of thepresent invention, to communicate with another provider, all a userneeds to do is to couple another storage device to the same processingdevice, and to instruct the processing device to execute theprovider-specific instructions stored on that new storage device. Thisaspect of the present invention allows it to be generally applied to anumber of different applications involving a number of differentproviders.

To ensure party recognition, a recognition methodology is preferablyimplemented both between the processing device and the storage device,and between the user device and the provider device. Consequently, onlythe proper devices may be coupled together to form a user device, andonly a valid user device may communicate with the provider device. Toensure information security, data stored on the storage device isencrypted, and information transferred between the user and providerdevices is also encrypted. Thus, even if a storage device is lost, orinformation sent between the user device and the provider device isintercepted, no comprehensible information can be derived therefrom. Asan extra measure of security, the parameters used to effect therecognition and encryption methodologies are preferably dynamically andregularly updated. By so doing, even if a third party is able tofraudulently obtain the parameters needed to "break in" to the system,that information is rendered useful only for a short period of time.Once the parameters are changed, the stolen information is useless.Thus, updating the parameters serves to minimize the damage caused bysystem breaches. Overall, the system of the present invention provides ahighly secure mechanism for linking users to providers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram providing a broad overview of the system 10 ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2a is a detailed block diagram of a first preferred embodiment ofthe processing device (UAS) 12 of the present invention.

FIG. 2b is a detailed block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theUAS 12 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the master EKE 70 which interfaces with theprocessing device 12 to establish certain parameters.

FIG. 4a is an operational flow diagram for the master EKE controlprogram 72 stored on the master EKE 70.

FIG. 4b is a detailed flow diagram of the initialization step 804 ofFIG. 4a.

FIG. 4c is a detailed flow diagram of the UAS restoration step 860 ofFIG. 4a.

FIG. 4d is a detailed flow diagram of the master EKE restoration step912 of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 4e is a detailed flow diagram of the DPIN modification step 948 ofFIG. 4a.

FIG. 4f is an operational flow diagram for the decryption logic storedin section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38 of the UAS 12.

FIG. 5a depicts the manner in which the recognition and comprehensionparameters (the operational key file names and the correspondingoperational key codes) are organized and stored in RAM 40 of the UAS 12.

FIG. 5b depicts the manner in which the recognition and comprehensionparameters are organized and stored in RAM 40 of the UAS 12 after aregular EKE 14 has been initialized.

FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram of the storage device (EKE) 14 of thepresent invention illustrating the programs 140, 141, 172 and the datafiles 148-170 stored on the EKE 14.

FIGS. 7a is an overall operational flow diagram for the UAS-EKE controlportion 142 of the PFM 140.

FIG. 7b is a detailed flow diagram of the initialization step 182 ofFIG. 7a.

FIG. 7c is a detailed flow diagram of the recognition methodology step186 of FIG. 7a.

FIG. 7d is a detailed flow diagram of the file management step 192 ofFIG. 7a.

FIG. 7e is a detailed flow diagram of the recognition parameter updatestep 204 of FIG. 7a.

FIG. 7f is a detailed flow diagram of the file management parameterupdate step 206 of FIG. 7a.

FIG. 8a shows a file management table 370 which is maintained in file152 of EKE 14 for use in coordinating access to the managed files154-164, 170.

FIG. 8b shows the possible contents of table 370 after the EKE 14 isinitialized with file management parameters.

FIG. 8c shows the possible contents of table 370 after the filemanagement parameters have been updated.

FIG. 9a shows the contents of the RAM 40 after the PFM 140 on the EKE 14has been decrypted.

FIG. 9b shows the contents of the RAM 40 after step 192 of FIG. 7a hasbeen performed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram representation of the PAS 18 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an operational flow diagram for a first preferred embodimentof the user device-PAS interaction control portion 144 of the PFM 140.

FIG. 12 is an operational flow diagram for a first preferred embodimentof the recognition and comprehension control program 408 of the PAS 18.

FIG. 13 is an operational flow diagram for a second preferred embodimentof the user device-PAS interaction control portion 144 of the PFM 140.

FIG. 14 is an operational flow diagram for a second preferred embodimentof the recognition and comprehension control program 408 of the PAS 18.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram representation of a paging system 1300 havingthe present invention incorporated therein.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram representation of an electronic pollingsystem 1320 having the present invention incorporated therein.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram representation of an electronic bankingsystem 1340 having the present invention incorporated therein.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram representation of an electronic authorizationsystem 1360 having the present invention incorporated therein.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram representation of an authorizational system1370, having the present invention incorporated therein, for controllingthe operation of an automobile.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram representation of a system 1400 wherein a PAS1402, 1404 having a user device emulation module 1406, 1408 incorporatedtherein, communicates directly with another PAS.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram representation of a system 1420 wherein auser device 1422, 1424 having a PAS emulation module 1430, 1436incorporated therein, communicates directly with another user device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A broad overview of the system 10 of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1, wherein the system 10 preferably comprises a processing device12, a storage device 14, and a provider device 18. Storage device 14preferably couples to processing device 12 to form a single user device16 which communicates with the provider device 18 via a communicationslink. In system 10, device 12 provides the processing capability, thecommunications interface needed to communicate with the provider device18, and the user interface necessary for interfacing with a user. Device12, however, contains a minimum of software instructions. Hence, on itsown, device 12 is incapable of communicating or transacting with theprovider device 18. In the preferred embodiment, device 12 is a generalpurpose processing device capable of carrying out any desired functionso long as the proper instructions are provided.

It is storage device 14 which provides the specific program instructionsand data needed by processing device 12 to operate and to interact withthe provider device 18. Storage device 14 preferably contains therein:(1) a management program which controls interaction between theprocessing device 12 and the storage device 14, and interaction betweenthe user device 16 and the provider device 18; (2) a provider-specificprogram which generates the messages (referred to herein as sessioncodes) to be sent to the provider device 18; and (3) user-specific datawhich is used and manipulated by the two programs. Processing device 12preferably accesses and executes the instructions stored on the storagedevice 14 once the storage device 14 is coupled thereto. In system 10,storage device 14 may take on a number of different forms includingmagnetic media (e.g. hard and floppy disks, magnetic stripe cards,etc.), optical media (e.g. CD-ROM), and semiconductor memory (e.g. RAM,PROM, flash memory, etc.). Any form is acceptable so long as it iscapable of storing instructions and data, and can interface with theprocessing device 12.

As mentioned above, processing device 12 is a general purpose processingdevice, and as such, it is capable of interacting with and executinginstructions from a number of different storage devices. A practicalconsequence of this is that the same processing device may be used tocommunicate with a number of different providers. All the user has to doto communicate with a different provider is to couple a differentstorage device 14 to the processing device 12. This aspect of theinvention is advantageous because it significantly limits the cost tothe user of implementing system 10. A user need invest in only oneprocessing device. Thereafter, only the storage devices need to besupplemented, replaced and updated. Since it is contemplated thatproviders will provide storage devices to users at little or no cost,the cost to the user of communicating directly with a provider will bekept to a minimum. This aspect of the invention makes it much morepracticable than most, if not all, of the prior art systems.

The provider device 18 of system 10 acts as a gateway between a userdevice 16 and a particular provider or a particular group of providers.Before a user device 16 can access the services and products of theprovider, it must first satisfy the requirements of the provider device18. Device 18 preferably implements a recognition methodology to ensurethat the user device 16 is a valid device, and preferably implements acomprehension methodology to decipher messages from the user device intoa form that the provider can understand. Once the message is deciphered,the provider device 18 may process the message itself, or it may relaythe message on to a separate provider processing device which actuallyperforms the processing function. Whether the message is processed orrelayed by device 18 is a matter of design choice.

Whenever business is conducted from a remote location, i.e. in a nonface-to-face setting, there is always concern over the possibility offraud. In a system such as system 10, there are at least three majorconcerns: (1) the possibility of loss or theft of the storage device 14;(2) the possibility that improper parties are communicating; and (3) thepossibility that third parties will intercept and use the informationtransferred between user device 16 and provider device 18. The system 10of the present invention addresses and provides a solution to all ofthese concerns.

With regard to the possibility of loss or theft of the storage device14, the management program stored on the storage device 14 forestallsthe use of the lost or stolen device by an improper user. To elaborate,when storage device 14 is coupled to processing device 12, theprocessing device 12 executes the management program stored on thestorage device 14 to carry out a recognition methodology whereby it isdetermined whether the processing device 12 and the storage device 14are authorized to interact with each other. The recognition methodology(described in detail in a later section) is preferably carried out byprocessing and comparing selected sets of recognition data stored in thestorage device 14 with recognition data stored in the processing device12. Only if the two sets of recognition data are consistent willinteraction between the devices 12, 14 be allowed to continue.

An important point to note here is that when a storage device is usedwith a processing device 12 for the first time, the management programstores customized recognition data in both the storage device and theprocessing device. This customized recognition data establishes a uniquerelationship between the storage device and the processing device 12that cannot be established between the storage device and any otherprocessing device (except in the highly unlikely event that anotherprocessing device has the same customized recognition data storedtherein). As a consequence, once customized recognition data isestablished between a processing device and a storage device, thestorage device is rendered inoperable with any other processing device.Hence, in system 10, if a user loses the storage device 14, systemsecurity is not compromised because the finder of the storage devicecannot use the storage device with his own processing device. Thisaspect of the present invention greatly enhances system security. Atthis point, it should be noted that while a storage device establishes aunique relationship with preferably only one processing device, aprocessing device can establish a unique relationship with more than onestorage device. This allows a single processing device to be used with aplurality of different storage devices.

System 10 also serves to ensure that only proper parties are allowed tocommunicate with each other. The function of party recognition andverification is carried out by both the user device 16 and the providerdevice 18. In communicating with the provider device 18, processingdevice 12 executes both the management program and the provider-specificprogram stored in storage device 14. These two programs cause theprocessing device 12 to: (1) retrieve selected recognition parametersfrom the storage device 14 which are unique to the device 14; (2)generate session codes to send to the provider device 18; (3) processthe parameters and the session codes; and (4) send the processedparameters and processed session codes to the provider device 18. Inresponse, provider device 18 processes the information received from theuser device 16 and determines whether the user device is a valid device,i.e. is a recognized device. Access to the provider is granted only ifthe user device 16 is a recognized device. In addition to performing therecognition function, the provider device 18 also preferably coordinatesthe dynamic and regular alteration of the recognition parameters.Regularly changing the recognition parameters is desirable because itrenders any fraudulently obtained information useful for only a shortperiod of time. In system 10, the combination of implementing arecognition methodology and dynamically altering the recognitionparameters makes it extremely difficult for a non-valid device to gainaccess to the provider. Thus, system 10 virtually assures that only theproper parties are allowed to communicate with each other.

Furthermore, the system 10 of the present invention provides a measurefor shielding information transmitted between the user device 16 and theprovider device 18 from third parties. Whenever information is sent fromone device to another, the information is preferably encrypted. Inaddition, the encryption keys used in the encryption/decryption processare preferably regularly updated. Sending information in this mannermakes it virtually impossible for a third party to derive any usefulinformation from the information transmissions. Hence, session securityis virtually guaranteed.

As shown by the above discussion, the system 10 of the present inventionaddresses and overcomes the three major security problems typicallyencountered in communications systems. Overall, a highly securecommunications system is provided by the present invention. With thisbackground information in mind, the invention will now be described indetail with reference to specific embodiments. In the followingsections, system 10 will be referred to as the personal accessmanagement system (PAMS), processing device 12 will be designated as theuser access system (UAS), storage device 14 will be referred to as theelectronic key executive (EKE), and provider device 18 will bedesignated as the provider access system (PAS).

UAS

With reference to FIG. 2a, there is shown a detailed block diagram of afirst preferred embodiment of the UAS 12 of the present invention,wherein the UAS 12 preferably comprises a general purpose processor 30(such as an 80186 microprocessor manufactured by Intel Corporation), astorage device interface 32, a communications interface 34, a userinterface 36, a non-volatile memory 38, and a random access memory (RAM)40. In the preferred embodiment, UAS 12 takes the form of a hand-held,portable computing device; however, it should be noted that if sodesired, UAS 12 may take on various other forms such as a desktop,laptop, or notebook computer, or some other form. UAS 12 is preferably ageneral purpose processing device. As such, it stores a minimum of itsown program instructions. Preferably, processor 30 carries out desiredfunctions by executing program instructions stored on external storagedevices. Interface 32 enables the processor 30 to execute instructionsstored on external devices by receiving one of a number of differentstorage devices, and coupling the storage device to the processor 30.Interface 32 may take on a number of different forms, but in thepreferred embodiment, interface 32 is a PCMCIA port for receiving aPCMCIA compatible storage device, such as a PCMCIA memory card.

A major function of UAS 12 is to allow a user to communicate with aprovider from a remote location. Consequently, UAS 12 preferablycomprises a communications interface 34 for forming a communicationslink with the provider. Preferably, interface 34 comprises a modem 41(such as a XE1414VS2 interface manufactured by Xecom), and a pluralityof communications ports 42-46 coupled thereto. The communications portspreferably include telephone port 42 for connecting to a universaltelephone network, and an analog 44 and a digital I/O port 46 forcommunicating by RF, optical, or cable means. These various ports give auser a good degree of flexibility in choosing the type of communicationslink to form with a provider. Also included in interface 34 is acomputer port 48. Port 48 allows UAS 12 to readily link with a standardcomputer to receive information therefrom and to download informationthereto.

UAS 12 also comprises a user interface 36 for communicating with a user.Interface 36 preferably comprises a display subsystem 50 for sendinginformation to the user, and a keyboard subsystem 52 for receiving inputfrom the user.

UAS 12 preferably further comprises memory for storing information,including a non-volatile memory 38 for storing information permanentlyin the UAS 12, and a RAM 40 for temporarily storing current programinstructions and associated data. Several sets of instructions and dataare preferably stored in the non-volatile memory 38. First, all drivers54 which are needed to operate the components of the UAS 12, such as thedisplay and keyboard drivers, are stored in file 54.

Also, data encryption modules 56 are stored in memory 38. These modules56, when executed by processor 30, are capable of performing two majorfunctions. First, they encrypt and decrypt data according to a selectedalgorithm. The encryption algorithms implemented by modules 56 mayinclude DES, SKIPJACK, and various other algorithms. To maintain an openarchitecture, modules 56 preferably implement encryption algorithmswhich are industry accepted standards; however, if so desired, modules56 may implement proprietary algorithms to limit UAS compatibility. Asecond function performed by modules 56 is that of generating randomnumbers. As will become clear, this aspect of the modules 56 is veryuseful in the process of dynamically altering recognition andcomprehension parameters. In the UAS 12 shown in FIG. 2a, theencryption/decryption function is performed by having processor 30execute the encryption modules 56 stored in the non-volatile memory 38.It should be noted, however, that the encryption/decryption function canbe achieved in various other ways. For example, a hardware encryptioncomponent (not shown) may be coupled to and called upon by the processor30 to carry out the encryption function. Also, an encryption processormay be incorporated into the processor 30 itself to perform thenecessary encryption functions. These and other embodiments are withinthe contemplation of the present invention.

Non-volatile memory 38 further stores communications modules 58 forcontrolling the sending and receiving of information. Wheneverinformation is sent via a communications link, certain protocols need tobe observed. Modules 58, when executed by processor 30, ensure thatoutgoing messages are packaged and transmitted using the properprotocol, and that incoming messages are deciphered using the properprotocol. Non-volatile memory 38 further contains a section 60 forstoring encrypted recognition and comprehension parameters. When a UAS12 is new, this section 60 will not contain any data, but once the UAS12 is initialized, encrypted recognition and comprehension parameterswill be stored in section 60. As will be explained later, the parametersstored in section 60 are manipulated by processor 30 in implementing therecognition and comprehension methodologies of the present invention.

Finally, non-volatile memory 38 preferably stores dynamic personalidentification number (DPIN) logic and data 62. Section 62 initiallypreferably stores a UAS identification code which is unique to the UAS12, hash code generation logic, and decryption logic. After the UAS 12is initialized, section 62 will also store a master key code and amaster hash code. As will be explained in a later section, the hash codegeneration logic in section 62 will be executed by processor 30 to aidin generating two different key codes given a single DPIN, and thedecryption logic in section 62 will be executed by processor 30 torender the information in section 60 comprehensible and useful in actualoperation. Preferably, both the key generation and the decryption logicin section 62 are executed by processor 30 each time the UAS 12 ispowered up.

Distributed UAS

Thus far, the UAS 12 has been described as a single dedicated devicecomprising all of the necessary components. As an alternative embodimentthe UAS 12 may take on a distributed form wherein the components of theUAS 12 are separated into multiple component blocks. An example of suchan embodiment is shown in FIG. 2b, wherein the UAS 12 is divided intotwo component blocks: (1) a standard hardware block 80 comprising theprocessing, communication, and interfacing components (hardware block 80may be, for example, a standard personal computer having two PCMCIAports); and (2) a software block, stored on a storage device 82,comprising the control programs and the data which render the UAS 12unique. Preferably, storage device 82 takes the form of a PCMCIAcompatible memory card. To form the overall UAS 12, the storage device82 is simply coupled to the hardware block 80 via one of the storagedevice interfaces 86, 88.

In the distributed UAS embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, the hardware block80 preferably comprises a standard, general purpose processor 84, and aplurality of components coupled thereto. These components include twostorage device interfaces 86, 88, a communications interface 90, a userinterface 92, and a RAM 94. Components 84-94 are preferably analogous tothe corresponding components 30-36, 40 shown in FIG. 2a. Thus, thesecomponents need not be described again here. With regard to the softwareblock 82, a plurality of control programs and data are preferably storedtherein. Specifically, block 82 comprises encryption modules 100,communications module 102, encrypted recognition and comprehensionparameters 104, and DPIN logic and data 106. Elements 100-106 areanalogous to elements 56-62 shown in FIG. 2a; thus, they need not bere-described here.

For the most part, the two embodiments of the UAS 12 are quite similar.One notable difference, though, is the presence of the integrationutility 108 in the distributed embodiment. In the distributedembodiment, one of the issues that needs to be addressed is how to makethe two portions 80, 82 function as a unit. More specifically, thereneeds to be a mechanism for linking the software block 82 to thehardware block 80 so that the processor 84 in the hardware block 80 willknow how to access and manipulate the programs and data stored in thesoftware block 82. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, theintegration utility 108 provides this linking mechanism. Preferably,when the storage device 82 is coupled to the hardware block 80 via theinterface 86, the user directs the processor 84 to execute theintegration utility 108 stored on the storage device 82. Under controlof utility 108, processor 84 will set up certain procedures foraccessing the programs and data stored on the storage device 82.Thereafter, the processor 84 will know how and when to access and toexecute the elements 100-106 in the software block 82. Thus, the twoseparate blocks 80, 82 are transformed into a single working UAS. Thespecific structure of the integration utility 108 will vary dependingupon the particular type of hardware block to which the storage device82 is to be coupled. Thus, the integration utility isapplication-specific. Once formed, the distributed UAS 12 (FIG. 2b) willoperate in the same manner as the integrated UAS (FIG. 2a). Namely, thedistributed UAS 12 will accept a second storage device via interface 88and will interact therewith.

The distributed embodiment of the UAS 12 shown in FIG. 2b is quiteadvantageous in that it is very versatile and convenient to use. Asmentioned above, the hardware block 80 which forms a part of thedistributed UAS 12 may be a typical personal computer having two PCMCIAports. This means that any compatible personal computer can betransformed into a UAS by inserting the storage device 82 into one ofthe PCMCIA ports. This in turn means that with the distributedembodiment, a user need not carry a UAS with him, but instead may simplycarry the storage device 82. Whenever he needs the use of a UAS, hesimply inserts the storage device 82 into a compatible personal computerand a UAS is thereby created. A drawback of the distributedarchitecture, though, is that the storage device 82, because it issmaller, is easier to lose than the dedicated UAS shown in FIG. 2a.Thus, there is a slightly higher risk of a security breach. Whichembodiment should be used in any particular application depends on theneeds of the application. Both embodiments are effective for theirintended purposes.

Initialization of the UAS Using a Master EKE

Regardless of which embodiment is used, a UAS 12 by itself is incapableof communicating with a provider. Only when a UAS 12 is coupled to aproper storage device 14 will an overall user device 16 be formed whichcan interact with the PAS 18. Before a UAS 12 can interact with anystorage device, however, it first needs to be initialized.Initialization is preferably achieved by way of a master EKE 70 (FIG.3), which in the preferred embodiment, takes the form of a PCMCIA memorycard having a PCMCIA interface (not shown) which interfaces with the UAS12 through interface 32 (FIG. 2a) or interface 88 (FIG. 2b). The masterEKE 70 preferably contains a master EKE control program 72 which isaccessed and executed by processor 30 to carry out the initializationprocess. An operational flow diagram for the control program 72 is shownin FIG. 4a. As noted above, the distributed and integrated UASembodiments (shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b) operate in the same manner. Thus,for the sake of simplicity, the initialization process will be describedwith reference only to the integrated UAS 12 (FIG. 2a). It should beunderstood, though, that the distributed UAS 12 (FIG. 2b) may beinitialized in the same manner.

Preferably, processor 30 begins the initialization process by accessingand executing the control program 72 on the master EKE 70. Under controlof program 72, processor 30 first determines 800 whether the UAS 12 isnew (i.e. uninitialized). Step 800 is preferably carried out by checkinga "new" flag stored in the UAS 12. When a UAS 12 is new, as it is in thepresent instance, this "new" flag should be set. If the UAS "new" flagis set, then processor 30 proceeds to step 802 to determine whether themaster EKE 70 is new. Similar to the UAS 12, a "new" flag is stored onthe master EKE 70, and this flag should be set when the master EKE 70 isnew. If both "new" flags are found to be set, then processor 30 goes onto implement the initialization process 804 to initialize both the UAS12 and the master EKE 70 with data that will be used in the recognitionand comprehension processes.

The step 804 of initializing the UAS 12 with recognition andcomprehension data is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4b. As shown inFIG. 4b, processor 30 starts the data initialization process byprompting 810 the user for a dynamic personal identification number(DPIN) or code. This DPIN may be any desired alpha-numeric which theuser wants to use as an identification code. Step 810 is preferablycarried out by sending a user prompt to the display subsystem 50 andsoliciting a response from the user via the keyboard subsystem 52. Oncea DPIN is received from the keyboard subsystem 52, processor 30 proceedsto generate 814 a master hash code and a master key code using the DPINas input. As will be explained later, this master key code is used toencrypt information stored on the master EKE 70. Preferably, processor30 generates the master key code in two steps. First, processor 30executes the hash code generation logic stored in section 62 of thenon-volatile memory 38, using the DPIN as input, to generate a masterhash code. Processor 30 preferably generates the master hash code byimplementing a hashing algorithm. In the preferred embodiment, theSecure Hash Algorithm (SHA), developed by the National Institute ofStandards and Technology, and published as a federal informationprocessing standard (FIPS PUB 180), is used as the hashing algorithm.SHA is described in "SHA: The Secure Hash Algorithm" by WilliamStallings, Dr. Dobb's Journal, April 1994, which is incorporated hereinby this reference. A point to note about a hash code is that, given thesame input, the same hash code will be generated each and every time.Thus, given the same DPIN, the same master hash code will be generatedevery time. However, given a certain hash code, the input cannot bederived. This means that an input cannot be "reverse engineered" from ahash code. This feature of a hash code is useful for protecting theidentity of the DPIN. Once the master hash code is generated, it isstored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38, as shown in FIG. 2a.As will be explained in a later section, the master hash code is usedfor user verification purposes.

Once the master hash code is generated and stored, it is used byprocessor 30 to generate the master key code. Preferably, processor 30generates the master key code by implementing a selected key generationalgorithm using the master hash code as input. The key generationalgorithm may be any desired algorithm which converts the hash code intoa key having a desired length. The specific key generation algorithmused is a matter of design choice. Once the master key code isgenerated, it is stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38, andin RAM 40 for subsequent reference. Note that the master key code is notstored on the master EKE 70. This is to preclude the possibility ofanother party extracting the master key code from the master EKE 70 andthereafter decrypting the information on the master EKE using the masterkey code.

Once the master hash code and the master key code are generated andstored, processor 30 proceeds to step 818 to generate a UAS hash codeand a UAS key code. As will be explained later, the UAS key code is usedto encrypt information stored in section 60 of the non-volatile memory38. The UAS hash code and the UAS key code are generated in much thesame manner as the master codes described above except that the UASidentification code stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38is used as an additional input factor. More particularly, processor 30preferably first combines the UAS identification code with the DPIN toderive a modified DPIN. Then, processor 30 executes the hash codegeneration logic stored in section 62, using the modified DPIN as input,to generate the UAS hash code. Like the master hash code, the UAS hashcode is preferably generated by implementing the SHA. Once generated,the UAS hash code is stored in section 74 of the master EKE 70 forsubsequent access.

After the UAS hash code is generated, processor 30 uses it to generatethe UAS key code. Preferably, the UAS key code is derived byimplementing a selected key generation algorithm (which may be the samekey generation algorithm as that used to generate the master key code)to convert the UAS hash code into a UAS key Code having a desiredlength. Again, the specific key generation algorithm used is a matter ofdesign choice. Once the UAS key code is generated, it is stored in RAM40 for subsequent access. Note that unlike the master key code, the UASkey code is not stored permanently in section 62 of the non-volatilememory 38, but only in the volatile RAM 40. Since information stored inRAM 40 is lost each time the UAS 12 is deactivated, the UAS key codewill need to be newly generated each time the UAS 12 is turned on. TheUAS key code is managed in this manner to prevent an unauthorized partyfrom extracting the UAS key code from the non-volatile memory 38 andthereafter using the UAS key code to decrypt the recognition andcomprehension parameter information stored in section 60 of thenon-volatile memory 38.

After the master key code and the UAS key code are generated, theprocessor 30 is ready to generate the operational key codes and theoperational key file names which will be used in the recognition andcomprehension processes. Data generation preferably begins with theprocessor 30 determining 822 the manner in which an operational key codewill be derived. If the user indicates that he wants to manually inputan operational key code, then processor 30 simply receives 830 amulti-bit binary code from the user via the keyboard subsystem 52. Onthe other hand, if the user indicates that he wants the operational keycode to be automatically generated, then processor 30 executes theencryption modules 56 to randomly generate 826 a multi-bit binary codewhich is used as the operational key code. In the preferred embodiment,the operational key code is a 512-bit binary code. The number of bitsmay vary, however, depending upon which encryption algorithm isimplemented by the encryption modules 56. The algorithm implemented bymodules 56 is a matter of design choice. Whichever method is used, oncean operational key code is derived, processor 30 generates 834 anoperational key file name to associate with the operational key code.This key file name, which preferably is a variable length alpha havingup to ten characters, is generated by processor 30 by executing theencryption modules 56. Once the operational key file name is generated,processor 30 creates a file in the RAM 40 of the UAS 12, assigns thefile the operational key file name, and stores 838 the operational keycode as a record in the file. Thereafter, processor 30 determines 842whether more key codes need to be derived and stored; if so, processor30 loops back to step 822 to process another key code. Preferably, steps822-842 are repeated an n number of times to derive and to store an nnumber of unique operational key codes. In the preferred embodiment,twenty operational key codes are derived, but it should be noted thatany desired number of operational key codes may be derived. At the endof this process 822-842, twenty files will be created and stored in theRAM 40 of the UAS 12. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, each file will have aunique operational key file name, and each file will contain a uniqueoperational key code as a record therein. The operational key codes andtheir corresponding operational key files names are thus established.

Note that the operational key file names and the operational key codesare thus far stored only in the RAM 40 of the UAS 12. This informationwill be lost once the UAS 12 is deactivated due to the volatile natureof the RAM 40. In order to preserve the information for futurereference, the information is preferably stored in section 60 of thenon-volatile memory 38, and in section 76 of the master EKE 70. Forsecurity reasons, though, it is not desirable to store this informationunprotected on either the UAS 12 or the master EKE 70. Because of thissecurity concern, processor 30, in storing the information onto the UAS12 and the master EKE 70, preferably first encrypts the information.Thus, in step 846, processor 30 preferably first encrypts theoperational key codes stored in RAM 40 using the UAS key code as theencryption key. Once that is done, processor 30 stores the encrypteddata, including the operational key file names and the encryptedoperational key codes, into section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38.Encrypted recognition and comprehension parameters are thus permanentlystored in the UAS 12. Similarly, in step 850, processor 30 firstencrypts the operational key codes using the master key code (instead ofthe UAS key code) as the encryption key. Thereafter, processor 30 storesthe operational key file names and the encrypted operational key codesinto section 76 of the master EKE 70. In both steps 846 and 850,processor 30 preferably carries out the encryption process by executingthe encryption modules 56 in non-volatile memory 38. After the encryptedoperational key codes and operational key file names are stored,processor 30 proceeds to encrypt and store 852 the UAS identificationcode (stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38) into section74 of the master EKE 70. Preferably, the UAS identification code isencrypted using the master key code as the encryption key. After step852, both the UAS 12 and the master EKE 70 are fully initialized. Allthat remains is for processor 30 to reset 854 the "new" flags in boththe UAS 12 and the master EKE 70 to indicate that the devices are nolonger new. Once that is done, initialization is complete.

Restoration and Backup Functions of the Master EKE

Thus far, the master EKE control program 72 has been described only withregard to the initialization process. It should be noted, though, thatprogram 72 is capable of performing several other important functions.These functions include UAS recovery, master EKE recovery, and DPINreplacement and updating. These functions become important as the system10 is used over a long period of time. To elaborate, in the course ofusing the system 10, it is probably inevitable that a user will at onetime or another lose the UAS 12, lose the master EKE 70, or forget theDPIN. Without an effective recovery mechanism, the loss of one of thesecomponents could cause system functionality to be lost. One of the greatadvantages of the system 10 of the present invention is that, given anytwo of the three components (master EKE, UAS, DPIN), system recovery canbe achieved. Hence, the loss of one component will not jeopardize systemfunctionality. With reference to FIGS. 4a, 4c, 4d, and 4e, the otherfunctions of the master EKE control program 72 will now be described.

UAS Recovery

One of the loss/recovery scenarios that can arise in the system of thepresent invention is that of a user losing the UAS 12. If the user stillhas the master EKE 70, and still remembers the DPIN, a new UAS 12 can beset up to function in the same manner as the lost UAS. To properlyconfigure the new UAS, a user first inserts the master EKE 70 into theuser interface 32 of the new UAS. Thereafter, the processor 30 on thenew UAS 12 accesses and executes the control program 72 on the masterEKE 70 to implement the recovery process. Specifically, the processor30, under control of program 72, determines 800, 802 (FIG. 4a) whetherthe UAS 12 and the master EKE 70 are new. In the present scenario, theprocessor 30 will find that the UAS 12 is new but that the master EKE 70is not new. Given these conditions, processor 30 will branch to step 860to implement the UAS restoration process.

Step 860 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4c. The UAS recovery processbegins with the processor 30 prompting 862 the user for a DPIN. Once theDPIN is received from the user via the keyboard subsystem 52, theprocessor 30 uses the DPIN to generate 864 a master key code.Preferably, step 864 is performed by first executing the hash codegeneration logic stored in section 62 of the new UAS 12 (whichpreferably causes the SHA previously discussed to be implemented) togenerate a master hash code. Then, using the master hash code as input,processor 30 implements a selected key generation algorithm to generatea master key code. Preferably, the key generation algorithm implementedin this process is the same as that previously described in connectionwith step 814 of FIG. 4b.

Once generated, the master key code is used by processor 30 to verify866 the accuracy of the DPIN provided by the user. The DPIN verificationprocess 866 involves four major steps. First, processor 30 uses thegenerated master key code to decrypt the encrypted UAS ID code stored insection 74 of the master EKE 70 to derive a decrypted UAS ID code. Thisstep is preferably carried out by executing the encryption modules 56.Thereafter, processor 30 combines the decrypted UAS ID code with theDPIN to derive a modified DPIN. Then, using the modified DPIN as input,processor 30 executes the hash code generation logic in section 62 ofthe non-volatile memory 38 to generate a UAS hash code. Finally,processor 30 compares the generated UAS hash code with the UAS hash codealready stored on the master EKE 70 to determine whether they areconsistent. If they are not consistent, then it means that an improperDPIN was entered by the user. In such a case, processor 30 terminatesoperation. On the other hand, if processor 30 determines that the twohash codes are consistent, thereby meaning that the proper DPIN wasentered, then UAS restoration is allowed to continue.

If it is determined that the proper DPIN was entered, then processor 30proceeds to step 870 to decrypt the encrypted recognition andcomprehension parameters stored in section 76 of the master EKE 70.Preferably, processor 30 decrypts the encrypted parameters by executingencryption modules 56, using the master key code as the decryption key.Once decrypted, the operational key codes and key file names are stored874 in the RAM 40 of the new UAS 12.

Thereafter, processor 30 proceeds to step 878 to generate a new UAS hashcode and a new UAS key code. In generating the new UAS hash code,processor 30 first derives a new modified DPIN by combining the new UASID code stored in section 62 of the new UAS 12 with the DPIN. Once thenew modified DPIN is derived, processor 30 generates the new UAS hashcode by executing the hash code generation logic stored in section 62 ofthe new UAS, using the new modified DPIN as input. Once generated, thenew UAS hash code is stored in section 74 of the master EKE 70 replacingthe old UAS hash code which is currently residing therein. Then, usingthe new UAS hash code as input, processor 30 implements a key generationalgorithm to generate a new UAS key code. Preferably, the key generationalgorithm used in this process is the same as that previously describedin connection with step 818 of FIG. 4b. Note that the new UAS key codewill be different from that used by the lost UAS. This is because thenew modified DPIN used to generate the new UAS key code is different(due to the different UAS ID code) from the modified DPIN used togenerate the UAS key code used by the lost UAS. This different UAS keycode will not prevent the new UAS from achieving identicalfunctionality, however.

Once the new UAS key code is derived, it is stored in RAM 40 of the newUAS 12 for subsequent reference. It is also used by processor 30 toencrypt 882 the operational key codes stored in RAM 40. Preferably, step882 is carried out by executing the encryption modules 56, using the newUAS key code as the encryption key. After the operational key codes areencrypted, processor 30 stores 886 the operational key file names andthe encrypted operational key codes (i.e. the encrypted recognition andcomprehension parameters) into section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38of the new UAS 12 for subsequent reference.

To complete the UAS restoration process, processor 30 preferably carriesout four more steps. First, processor 30 stores 890 the previouslygenerated master hash code and master key code into section 62 of thenon-volatile memory 38 for subsequent reference. Second, processor 30encrypts 894 the new UAS identification code stored in section 62 of thenon-volatile memory 38 using the master key code as the encryption key,and thereafter stores the encrypted new UAS ID code into section 74 ofthe master EKE 70. Third, processor 30 preferably deletes 898 theencrypted UAS identification code of the lost UAS from section 74 of themaster EKE 70. Finally, processor 30 resets 900 the "new" flag on thenew UAS to indicate that the UAS has now been initialized. The UASrestoration process is now complete.

Master EKE Recovery

Another loss/recovery scenario which may arise is one in which the userloses the master EKE 70. If the user still has the UAS 12, and stillremembers the DPIN, a new master EKE 70 can be configured to function inthe same manner as the lost master EKE. To properly configure a newmaster EKE, the new master EKE 70 is inserted into interface 32 of theUAS 12. Thereafter, the processor 30 accesses and executes the controlprogram 72 on the new master EKE. Under control of program 72, processor30 begins processing by determining 800, 910 (FIG. 4a) whether the UAS12 and the new master EKE 70 are new. In this particular instance, theprocessor 30 will find the UAS 12 to be already initialized but themaster EKE 70 to be new. Given these conditions, the processor 30 willbranch to step 912 to implement the master EKE restoration process. Step912 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4d.

Processor 30 preferably begins the restoration process 912 by prompting916 the user for a DPIN. When the DPIN from the user is received via thekeyboard subsystem 52, processor 30 uses the DPIN to generate 918 amaster hash code. Processor 30 preferably generates the master hash codeby executing the hash code generation logic stored in section 62 of thenon-volatile memory 38, using the DPIN as input. Once generated, themaster hash code is used to verify 920 the accuracy of the DPIN.Processor 30 preferably carries out step 920 by comparing the generatedmaster hash code with the master hash code already stored in section 62of the non-volatile memory 38. If the two hash codes are inconsistent,then it means that an improper DPIN was entered by the user. In such aninstance, processor 30 terminates operation. On the other hand, if thetwo hash codes are consistent, then the validity of the DPIN is verifiedand the master EKE restoration process is allowed to continue.

If the proper DPIN was entered, then processor 30 proceeds to step 924to generate a UAS hash code and a UAS key code. In generating the UAShash code, processor 30 preferably performs several sub-steps. First,processor 30 combines the UAS identification code stored in section 62of the non-volatile memory 38 with the DPIN to derive a modified DPIN.Then, processor 30 uses the modified DPIN to generate the UAS hash code.Preferably, the UAS hash code is generated by executing the hash codegeneration logic stored in section 62, using the modified DPIN as input.Once generated, the UAS hash code is preferably stored in section 74 ofthe new master EKE 70. Thereafter, processor 30 generates the UAS keycode by implementing the key generation algorithm described above inconnection with step 818 of FIG. 4b, using the generated UAS hash codeas input. Once the UAS key code is derived, it is stored in RAM 40.Thereafter, processor 30 uses the UAS key code to decrypt 928 theencrypted recognition and comprehension parameters stored in section 60of the non-volatile memory 38. Step 928 is preferably carried out byexecuting modules 56. The operational key codes are thus decrypted andderived. Once decrypted, the operational key codes and the operationalkey file names are stored in RAM 40.

After step 928, processor 30 prepares to store the recognition andcomprehension parameters onto the new master EKE 70. Before storing theparameters, though, processor 30 preferably first reencrypts 932 therecognition and comprehension parameters (i.e. the operational key filenames and operational key codes) stored in the RAM 40 using a master keycode as the encryption key. The master key code may be retrieved fromsection 62 of the non-volatile memory or, if so desired, may be newlygenerated using the DPIN. In addition, processor 30 also preferablyencrypts the UAS identification code stored in section 62 of thenon-volatile memory 38 using the master key code as the encryption key.Once step 932 is carried out, processor 30 stores 936 the encryptedrecognition and comprehension parameters into section 76 of the newmaster EKE 70, and the encrypted UAS identification code into section 74of the new master EKE 70. The new master EKE 70 is now configured tofunction in the same manner as the lost master EKE. All that remains forthe processor 30 to do is to reset 940 the "new" flag on the master EKE70 to indicate that the master EKE is no longer uninitialized. Once thatis done, the master EKE restoration process is complete.

DPIN Modification/Recovery

One other loss/recovery scenario to be considered is the one in whichthe user forgets the DPIN used to generate the master and UAS key codes.As made clear by the above discussions, the DPIN plays a vital role inthe proper encryption and decryption of the recognition andcomprehension parameters. To recover from the loss of the DPIN, the userwill need to have both the original UAS 12 and the original master EKE70. The user initiates the recovery process by inserting the master EKE70 into interface 32 of the UAS 12. Thereafter, the processor 30accesses and executes the control program 72 on the master EKE 70 toimplement the recovery process. As shown in FIG. 4a, processor 30, undercontrol of program 72, begins operation by determining 800, 910 whetherthe UAS 12 and the master EKE 70 are new. In this particular instance,neither component is new; hence, processor 30 will proceed to step 942.

In step 942, processor 30 implements a recognition methodology todetermine whether the UAS 12 and the master EKE 70 are authorized tointeract with each other at all. Preferably, processor 30 carries outstep 942 by first retrieving the master key code previously stored insection 62 of the non-volatile memory 38. Thereafter, processor 30 usesthe master key code to decrypt the encrypted UAS identification codestored in section 74 of the master EKE 70. Once decrypted, the UASidentification code from the master EKE 70 is compared with the UASidentification code stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38.If the two codes are not consistent, then the two components 12, 70 arenot authorized to interact with each other. Hence, communicationtherebetween is terminated. On the other hand, if the two codes areconsistent, then authorization is verified, and the processor 30 isallowed to proceed to step 946.

It is in steps 946 and 948 that the user is allowed to override thecurrent DPIN and to establish a new DPIN. Specifically, in step 946,processor 30 queries the user as to whether the user wishes to set a newDPIN. If so, then processor 30 implements the DPIN modification process948. Step 948 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4e, wherein the firststep in the DPIN modification process is to retrieve 980 the master keycode previously stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38. Onceretrieved, this master key code is used by the processor 30 to decrypt982 the encrypted recognition and comprehension parameters stored insection 76 of the master EKE 70. The recognition and comprehensionparameters (i.e. the operational key codes and operational key filenames) are thus derived. Once derived, the parameters are stored 984 inRAM 40 for subsequent reference.

Thereafter, processor 30 prompts 986 the user for a new DPIN with whichto replace the forgotten DPIN. Upon receiving the new DPIN via thekeyboard subsystem 52, processor 30 proceeds to generate 988 a newmaster key code. Preferably, processor 30 generates the new master keycode in two steps. First, processor 30 executes the hash code generationlogic stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38, using the newDPIN as input, to generate a new master hash code. This new master hashcode is stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38, preferablyreplacing the master hash code currently stored therein. Then, using thenew master hash code as input, processor 30 implements a key generationalgorithm to generate a new master key code having a desired length.Preferably, the key generation algorithm implemented here is the same asthat previously described in connection with step 814 of FIG. 4b. Oncegenerated, the new master key code is preferably stored both in section62 of the non-volatile memory 38 and in RAM 40. Thereafter, the newmaster key code is used by the processor 30 to encrypt 990 both theparameters stored in the RAM 40 and the UAS identification code storedin section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38. Once that is done,processor 30 stores 992 the encrypted recognition and comprehensionparameters into section 76 of the master EKE 70, and the encrypted UASidentification code into section 74 of the master EKE 70. Preferably,once this new encrypted information is stored in sections 74 and 76, theinformation previously stored in these same sections is deleted. MasterEKE 70 is thus updated.

A similar process is performed by processor 30 to update the UAS 12.Specifically, processor 30 begins the UAS updating process by generating994 a new UAS hash code and a new UAS key code. Preferably, processor 30generates the new UAS hash code by combining the UAS identification codestored in section 62 with the new DPIN to derive a modified DPIN. Then,using the modified DPIN as input, processor 30 executes the hash codegeneration logic stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38 togenerate the new UAS hash code. Once generated, the new UAS hash code isstored in section 74 of the master EKE 70, preferably replacing the UAShash code previously stored therein. Thereafter, processor 30 uses thenew UAS hash code to generate the new UAS key code. Preferably,processor 30 generates the new UAS key code by implementing a keygeneration algorithm, using the new UAS hash code as input. The keygeneration algorithm implemented here is preferably the same as thatpreviously described in connection with step 818 of FIG. 4b. Once thenew UAS key code is generated, it is stored in RAM 40 and is used as anencryption key by processor 30 to encrypt 996 the recognition andcomprehension parameters stored in the RAM 40. Once that is performed,processor 30 stores 998 the encrypted recognition and comprehensionparameters into section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38 for futurereference. As an additional step, processor 30 preferably deletes theencrypted parameters previously stored in section 60. After step 998 isperformed, the DPIN modification process is complete. As shown by thisdiscussion, the system of the present invention is quite robust in thatit can recover from the loss of any one of these three components: UAS,master EKE, and DPIN.

Other Functions of the Master EKE

Thus far, the master EKE control program 72 has been described as beingused only in the initialization and recovery processes. However, asshown in FIG. 4a, control program 72 is also capable of performingseveral other functions. One such function is that of override. Morespecifically, steps 954 and 956 may be implemented (if a user so wishes)to change the recognition and comprehension parameters currently storedin the UAS 12 and the master EKE. New operational key codes andoperational key file names may be generated in much the same manner asthat described in conjunction with FIG. 4b. Hence, step 956 need not bedescribed in detail here.

Another additional function performed by the master EKE control program72 is that of data backup. Note that the recognition and comprehensionparameters are encrypted and stored not only in the UAS 12 but also inthe master EKE 70. This extra storing procedure is performed to ensurethat, if the information stored in UAS 12 is somehow lost or erased, theinformation can be restored by consulting the master EKE 70. Steps950-952 of FIG. 4a deal with this backup aspect of the master EKEcontrol program 72. Whenever program 72 is executed by processor 30, theuser is given an option 950 to restore information into the UAS 12. Ifthe user chooses this option, then processor 30 preferably performs step952, which involves a series of sub-steps. In carrying out step 952,processor 30 first uses the master key code stored in section 62 of theUAS 12 to decrypt the encrypted parameter information stored in section76 of the master EKE 72. The parameters, thus decrypted, are stored inRAM 40. Then, processor 30 prompts the user for a DPIN. Upon receivingthe DPIN, the processor 30 generates a master hash code in the mannerdescribed above. Once generated, this master hash code is used to verifythe validity of the entered DPIN. More specifically, the generatedmaster hash code is compared with the master hash code stored in section62 of the non-volatile memory 38. If the two hash codes are consistent,then it is verified that the entered DPIN is accurate. After the DPIN isverified, processor 30 generates a UAS key code. This is preferablyachieved by first generating a UAS hash code, and then using the UAShash code to generate the UAS key code, in the manner described above.Once generated, the UAS key code is used as an encryption key to encryptthe parameters stored in RAM 40. Once that is done, processor 30 storesthe encrypted parameters into section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38.Data restoration is thus achieved.

One further point should be noted regarding the data backup aspect ofthe control program 72. In normal use, the UAS 12 is operated withoutthe master EKE 70. Also, in normal operation, the recognition andcomprehension parameters stored in section 60 of the non-volatile memory38 of the UAS 12 can be updated. Thus, at times, section 60 of thenon-volatile memory 38 will contain fresh or updated information that isnot stored on the master EKE 70. Preferably, processor 30 sets a "newdata" flag whenever any new or modified data is stored in section 60,and whenever existing data is deleted from section 60. That way,whenever the master EKE 70 is inserted and the master EKE controlprogram 72 is executed, the processor 30 can check 958 for the "newdata" flag, and if the flag is set, then processor 30 can store 960 theupdated data from section 60 into the master EKE 70. Preferably,processor 30 performs step 960 by first generating a UAS key code in themanner described above. Then, the UAS key code is used to decrypt all ofthe encrypted parameters stored in section 60 of the non-volatile memory38. Once that is done, the decrypted recognition and comprehensionparameters are stored in RAM 40. Thereafter, processor 30 uses themaster key code stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38 toencrypt the decrypted parameters in the RAM 40. Then, processor 30stores the newly encrypted recognition and comprehension parameters intosection 76 of the master EKE 70, preferably replacing the parameterspreviously stored therein. The master EKE 70 is thus updated. Once thenew data is backed up onto the master EKE 70, processor 30 resets the"new data" flag. By updating the master EKE 70 in this manner, themaster EKE control program 72 optimizes the master EKE's ability tofunction effectively as a backup device.

UAS Start-up

Once UAS 12 is initialized as described above, the master EKE 70 isdecoupled from the storage device interface 32 of the UAS 12. The UAS 12is thereafter able to receive a regular EKE 14 through interface 32.Recall that when the UAS 12 was initialized, the recognition andcomprehension parameters were stored in section 60 of the non-volatilememory 30 in encrypted form. Before these parameters can be used inactual operation, they first need to be decrypted. This decryptionfunction is preferably performed by the processor 30 under control ofthe decryption logic stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38each time the UAS is powered up. A flow diagram for this decryptionlogic is shown in FIG. 4f. With reference to FIG. 4f, processor 30begins the decryption process by prompting 1000 the user to enter aDPIN. Once the DPIN is received via the keyboard subsystem 52, processor30 uses the DPIN to generate 1002 a master hash code. Preferably,processor 30 generates the master hash code by executing the hash codegeneration logic stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38,using the DPIN as input. Once generated, the master hash code iscompared 1004 with the master hash code stored in section 62 of thenon-volatile memory 38. If the two hash codes are inconsistent, then itmeans that an improper DPIN was entered by the user. In such a case,processor 30 terminates operation to prevent an unauthorized user fromusing the UAS 12. On the other hand, if the two hash codes areconsistent, then processor 30 proceeds to step 1008.

In step 1008, processor 30 uses the DPIN to generate a UAS key code.More specifically, processor 30 preferably first combines the UAS IDcode stored in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38 with the DPIN toderive a modified DPIN. Then, using the modified DPIN as input,processor 30 executes the hash code generation logic stored in section62 to generate a UAS hash code. Once generated, the UAS hash code isused by processor 30 to generate a UAS key code. More specifically,processor 30 implements a key generation algorithm (preferably the sameas that discussed above with regard to step 818 of FIG. 4b) using theUAS hash code as input to generate a UAS key code having a desiredlength. Once generated, the UAS key code is stored 1010 in RAM 40 forsubsequent reference. Thereafter, processor 30 uses the UAS key code asa decryption key to decrypt 1012 the recognition and comprehensionparameters stored in section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38.Preferably, processor 30 carries out step 1012 by executing theencryption modules 56. Once decrypted, the recognition and comprehensionparameters (i.e. the operational key file names and operational keycodes) are stored 1014 in the RAM 40 of the UAS 12. The parameters arenow in a form which can be used in normal operation. Thus, the UAS 12 isnow ready for operation with a regular EKE 14. One additional point tonote is that because the decrypted parameters and the UAS key code arestored in the volatile RAM 40 of the UAS 12, this information will belost when the UAS 12 is deactivated. This means that the decryptedparameters and the UAS key code will need to be newly generated the nexttime the UAS 12 is used. Hence, processor 30 preferably executes thedecryption logic stored in section. 62 of the non-volatile memory 38each time the UAS 12 is powered up.

Thus far, the process (shown in FIG. 4f) of verifying the accuracy ofthe DPIN and of decrypting the recognition and comprehension parametershas been described as being implemented by processor 30 under control ofthe decryption logic in section 62 of the non-volatile memory 38. Itshould be noted, however, that the process shown in FIG. 4f may also beimplemented by way of a hardwired circuit. The design of such a circuit,given FIG. 4f, is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.Such an implementation is within the contemplation of the presentinvention.

EKE

Once the UAS 12 is powered up, and the recognition and comprehensionparameters are decrypted and stored in RAM 40, the UAS 12 is ready tointeract with a regular EKE. With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown adetailed block diagram of an EKE 14 of the present invention. In thepreferred embodiment, EKE 14 takes the form of a PCMCIA memory cardhaving a PCMCIA interface (not shown) for coupling to interface 32 ofthe UAS 12. As shown in FIG. 6, EKE 14 preferably stores a plurality ofdata files 148-170, and at least two control programs: (1) the PAMS filemanager (PFM) 140; and (2) the provider-specific software 141.Optionally, EKE 14 may store a third control program 172 (the encryptionmodules) which may be executed to perform encryption/decryptionfunctions.

On EKE 14, the PFM 140 is the main program which is accessed andexecuted by processor 30 to coordinate interaction among all of thecomponents 12, 14, 16, 18 of the system 10. PFM 140 preferably comprisesa UAS-EKE interaction control portion 142 for controlling interactionbetween the UAS 12 and the EKE 14, and a user device-PAS control portion144 for coordinating interaction between a user device (formed by UAS 12and EKE 14) and the PAS 18. Control portion 142 is the portion which isaccessed and executed first by processor 30.

When executed, control portion 142 preferably causes processor 30 toperform a number of different functions. First, portion 142 causesprocessor 30 to implement a recognition methodology to verify that UAS12 and EKE 14 are authorized to interact with each other. If interactionis not authorized, then portion 142 terminates communication with theUAS 12. This verification function is important because it renders anEKE 14 usable with only one particular UAS 12 (referred to herein as the"principal UAS"). This means that if the EKE 14 is lost or stolen,system security is not compromised because the holder of the lost orstolen EKE 14 will not be able to use the EKE with his own UAS 12. Thus,control portion 142 greatly enhances system security. Second, portion142 causes processor 30 to strictly coordinate access to the otherresources stored on the EKE 14, such as the managed files 154-164, 170.This adds an extra layer of protection, just in case a user is somehowable to obtain authorization fraudulently. Third, portion 142 causesprocessor 30 to coordinate the encryption and decryption of data storedin the files 154-164, 170. This encryption or comprehension functionensures that even if the EKE 14 is lost, no comprehensible informationcan be extracted therefrom. Fourth, portion 142 causes processor 30 tocoordinate the dynamic alteration and update of the parameters used inthe above three functions. By dynamically and regularly changing theseparameters, portion 142 makes it virtually impossible for anyone toascertain, at any particular time, what parameters are being used. Thisin turn makes it extremely difficult to "break in" to the system 10.Therefore, portion 142 of PFM 140 ensures the security of the EKE 14.

PFM 140 also preferably comprises a user device-PAS interaction controlportion 144 for coordinating interaction between the user device 16 andthe PAS 18. Control portion 144, when executed by processor 30,preferably causes the processor 30 to properly coordinate the exchangeof information with the PAS 18. In performing this coordinationfunction, portion 144 preferably causes the user device 16 to implementthe unique recognition and comprehension methodologies of the presentinvention, in conjunction with the provider device 18, to verify partyidentities and to ensure session security. By so doing, portion 144ensures that only proper devices will be allowed to communicate witheach other, and that information transferred between the user device 16and the PAS 18 will be secure from third parties. Together, portions 142and 144 coordinate the overall secure operation of the UAS-EKE assembly.

The provider-specific software 141 on the EKE 14 provides the programinstructions necessary for communicating with a particular provider or aparticular group of providers. Program 141 preferably includes anapplication portion 145 for generating the messages or session codeswhich are sent to the PAS 18, and a communications portion 146 fororganizing the information sent to the PAS 18 in a manner expected bythe PAS 18. These program portions 145, 146 are executed under thedirection of portion 144 of the PFM 140. As the name suggests,provider-specific software 141 is preferably tailored to communicatewith one or a group of specific providers. Consequently, the application145 and the communications 146 portions can and probably will becustomized for each provider, which means that software 141 will varyfrom EKE to EKE. In contrast, the PFM 140, because it is not necessarilyprovider-specific, may be identical for all EKE's. In the preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 6, there is only one provider-specific program141 stored on the EKE 14. However, if so desired, an EKE 14 may storemore than one provider-specific program to allow a user to communicatewith a plurality of providers using only one EKE 14. Such a modificationis within the scope of the present invention.

The data files, also referred to herein as storage units, 148-170 on theEKE 14 contain user-specific (i.e. EKE-specific) data which aremanipulated by PFM 140 in carrying out its recognition and comprehensionmethodologies. More specifically, PFM 140 uses the information in thesedata files 148-170 to determine whether the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 areauthorized to interact, to manage access and updates to files on the EKE14, and to communicate with the PAS 18. Some of the information in thedata files or storage units will be provided by the provider, while someof the information will be generated by the PFM 140. More will be saidabout data files 148-170 in later sections as the operation of the UAS12, the EKE 14, and the PAS 18 is described.

Protection of the Information on the EKE

In the preferred embodiment, the EKE 14 is a portable, compact memorycard. As such, the EKE 14 is quite easy to lose. To prevent a thirdparty from being able to extract useful information from a lost EKE 14,selected files and programs on the EKE 14 are preferably storedencrypted at all times. Portions of the EKE 14 which are encryptedinclude: (1) PFM 140 (except unencrypted portion 143); (2) managed files152-164; and (3) a portion of file 170. Due to the nature in which someof the files are used, some of the files on the EKE 14 (e.g. files 148,150, 167, 168) are left unencrypted. In the preferred embodiment, theprovider-specific software 141 is left unencrypted; however, if sodesired, software 141 may also be stored on EKE 14 in encrypted form.

The PFM 140 is stored on EKE 14 in encrypted form in order to prevent anunauthorized party from tampering with, and thereby altering, theprogram instructions. Note, however, that not all of the PFM 140 isstored in encrypted form. A relatively small portion 143 of the UAS-EKEcontrol portion 142 is left unencrypted to allow the processor 30 toinitially interface with the EKE 14. The instructions in portion 143 areanalogous to boot-up code. To elaborate, when EKE 14 is coupled tointerface 32 of the UAS 12, the processor 30 first accesses and executesthe unencrypted portion 143 of UAS-EKE control portion 142. Undercontrol of portion 143, processor 30 performs checks to determinewhether to proceed further. If certain requirements are met, thenprocessor 30 is allowed to decrypt the remainder of portion 142 and theentirety of portion 144, and to store the decrypted instructions intothe RAM 40 of the UAS 12. Thereafter, processor 30 is allowed to executethe decrypted PFM instructions stored in the RAM 40 to carry out thefunctions dictated by the PFM 140. By managing the PFM 140 in thismanner, it is possible to both protect the integrity of the PFM (byencryption) and to provide a convenient interface between the UAS 12 andthe EKE 14. With this background information in mind, interactionbetween the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 will now be described in greaterdetail.

UAS-EKE Interaction

An overall user device 16 is formed by coupling the EKE 14 to the UAS 12via the storage device interface 32. Once coupled, the processor 30 onthe UAS 12 accesses and executes the PFM 140 stored on the EKE 14. Morespecifically, processor 30 first accesses and executes the unencryptedportion 143 of the UAS-EKE interaction control portion 142. Undercontrol of portion 143, processor 30 begins the process of controllinginteraction between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14. To describe portions 143and 142 in greater detail, reference will now be made to FIGS. 7a-7f.FIG. 7a provides an overall operational flow diagram for portion 142,including those parts which pertain to the unencrypted portion 143,while FIGS. 7b-7f provide more detailed flow diagrams for selectedaspects of portion 142.

Referring now to FIG. 7a, the portions of FIG. 7a which pertain to theunencrypted portion 143 include: (1) processes 174-180; (2) processes184-190; (3) processes 216-224; and (4) processes 225-227. In otherwords, unencrypted portion 143 comprises the instructions necessary forcarrying out processes 174-180, 184-190, 216-224, and 225-227. Theremaining processes 191-214 shown in FIG. 7a pertain to the remainder ofthe UAS-EKE interaction control portion 142. The instructions necessaryfor implementing these remaining processes 191-214 are preferably storedon the EKE 14 in encrypted form.

As mentioned above, when EKE 14 is interfaced with UAS 12, processor 30accesses and executes the unencrypted instructions stored in portion143. Under control of portion 143, processor 30 begins operation bydetermining 174 whether encryption modules 172 are stored on the EKE 14.If not, then processor 30 proceeds to step 177. However, if encryptionmodules 172 are found on the EKE 14, then processor 30 loads 175 theencryption modules 172 into the RAM 40, and sets 176 an "override" flag.If the "override" flag is set, then all subsequent encryption/decryptionfunctions will be carried out by executing the encryption modules storedin RAM 40 instead of executing the encryption modules 56 stored in theUAS 12. This feature of the invention allows a provider to dictate, bystoring modules 172 on the EKE 14, the particular encryption algorithmto be used. This is a very useful feature, especially if the encryptionmodules 56 stored in the UAS 12 become obsolete. For the sake ofsimplicity, though, it will be assumed for the purposes of descriptionthat EKE 14 does not contain a set of overriding encryption modules 172.Thus, the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to theencryption modules 56 in the UAS 12.

Initialization of a New EKE

After determining whether to load encryption modules into the RAM 40,processor 30 goes on to step 177, wherein it is determined whether theEKE 14 is new, i.e. uninitialized. Preferably this determination is madeby looking for an operational key file name in file 148 of the EKE 14.If no operational key file name is stored in file 148, then the EKE 14has not yet been used. If EKE 14 is new, then processor 30 proceeds tostep 178 to begin implementing an initial decrypting process. Toelaborate, when a user first receives an EKE 14, the PFM 140 and thedata files 152-164 on the EKE 14 are incomprehensible because they arestored in encrypted form. The key needed to decrypt these files is knownonly to the provider. This is done in order to protect the informationon the EKE 14 from unauthorized third parties during possible transport.When the provider gives the new EKE 14 to the user, the provider alsopreferably gives the user the key (referred to hereinafter as the"initial key code") used to encrypt the PFM and the data files. Forsecurity reasons, separate means are preferably used to convey the EKE14 and the initial key code to the user so that a third party cannotlink the key to the EKE 14. Armed with the initial key code, the usercan access the resources on the EKE 14.

Referring again to FIG. 7a, once it has been determined that the EKE 14is new, processor 30 prompts 178 the user to provide the initial keycode used to encrypt the PFM 140 and the data files 152-164 on the newEKE 14. Once this key code is received from the user via the keyboardsubsystem 52, processor 30 uses the key code to decrypt 179 theencrypted portions of the PFM 140, including the encrypted portion ofthe UAS-EKE control portion 142, and the user device-PAS control portion144. Preferably, step 179 is carried out by executing encryption modules56. After the PFM 140 is decrypted, it is stored 180 in its entirety(including the unencrypted portion 143) in RAM 40. FIG. 9a shows thecontents of RAM 40 after this decryption process. As shown, RAM 40 nowcontains an unencrypted version 1140 of the PFM 140 stored on the EKE14. The unencrypted PFM 1140 preferably comprises an unencrypted UAS-EKEinteraction control portion 1142 which corresponds to portions 143 and142 on the EKE 14, and an unencrypted user device-PAS interactioncontrol portion 1144 which corresponds to portion 144 on the EKE 14. Inaddition, RAM 40 also contains a UAS key code and a decrypted version1160 of the recognition and comprehension parameters stored in section60 of the non-volatile memory 38. These parameters 1160 were stored inthe RAM 40 upon power-up of the UAS 12.

Before going further, it should be noted here that the PFM 140 on theEKE 14 is not altered by this decryption process. The PFM 140 is stillstored on EKE 14 in encrypted form. The only unencrypted version of thePFM 140 is in the RAM 40. The PFM 140 on the EKE 14 remains encrypted sothat there is never a time at which the PFM 140 is left unprotected.

Once the PFM 140 is decrypted and stored in RAM 40, processor 30 beginsexecuting the unencrypted PFM instructions 1140 stored in the RAM 40. Atthis point, processor 30 is still controlling interaction between theUAS 12 and the EKE 14. Thus, processor 30 continues operation byexecuting the unencrypted instructions in portion 1142. Under control ofportion 1142, processor 30 proceeds to step 182 to establish a uniquerelationship between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14. In other words,processor 30 proceeds to initialize the new EKE 14. As an overview, theinitialization process has two major objectives. First the processstores customized recognition data in both the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 toestablish a unique relationship between the two components. This servesto render the EKE 14 inoperable with any other UAS 12. Second, theinitialization process establishes file management parameters which areused later to coordinate access to the managed files 154-164, 170.

The initialization process is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7b.Preferably, processor 30 begins the process by selecting 230 one of theoperational key file names stored in section 1160 (FIG. 9a) of the RAM40. Once selected, the operational key file name is stored 232 in file148 of the EKE 14. Then, using the selected operational key file name,processor 30 retrieves 234 the operational key code corresponding to theselected operational key file name. For example, with reference to FIG.5a (which shows the operational key file names and the operational keycodes currently stored in RAM 40), if operational key file name₁ isselected, then operational key code₁ is retrieved from RAM 40.Thereafter, processor 30 retrieves 235 the EKE identification code fromfile 150 of the EKE 14, and processes 236 the EKE identification codeusing the retrieved operational key code. Preferably, the step ofprocessing 236 the EKE identification code entails the encryption of theEKE identification code. This encryption step is preferably carried outby executing the encryption modules 56 stored in the UAS 12, using theoperational key code as the encryption key. Consequently, the product ofstep 236 is an encrypted EKE identification code. Once derived, theencrypted EKE identification code is stored 237 in section 1160 of theRAM 40. Preferably, the encrypted EKE identification code, otherwisereferred to as the EKE reference code, is stored as a record under theselected operational key file name. That is, as shown in FIG. 5b, ifoperational key file name₁ is the selected key file name, then the EKEreference code is stored as a record under operational key file name₁.

By storing the EKE reference code as a record under the selectedoperational key file name, processor 30 has updated the recognition andcomprehension parameters stored in section 1160 of the RAM 40. Thischange needs to be reflected in section 60 of the non-volatile memory38. To update section 60, processor 30 preferably first encrypts 238 theparameters stored in section 1160 of the RAM 40 using the UAS key codeas the encryption key to derive a new set of encrypted recognition andcomprehension parameters. Then, the new encrypted parameters are stored239 in section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38, preferably replacingthe parameters previously stored therein. Section 60 is thus updated.Since section 60 now contains new information, processor 30 preferablysets 240 the "new data" flag to indicate to the master EKE controlprogram 70 (when it is next executed by processor 30) that section 60now contains new data which should be copied into the master EKE 70 forbackup purposes. By carrying out steps 230-240, processor 30 establishescustomized recognition data between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 which maybe used later to verify that the components 12, 14 are authorized tointeract with each other. In short, the customized recognition dataserves to establish a unique relationship between the UAS 12 and the EKE14.

Thus far, the customized recognition data establishment process has beendescribed as comprising a processing step. That is, the EKEidentification code has been described as being processed (encrypted)before being stored under the appropriate operational key file name inthe RAM 40. As an alternative, it is possible to establish customizedrecognition data between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 without theprocessing step. More particularly, the establishment process may becarried out as follows. First, one of the operational key file namesstored in the RAM 40 is selected. This file name is preferably stored infile 148 of the EKE 14. Then, the EKE identification code stored in file150 is stored, without encryption, into the file corresponding to thechosen operational key file name. Since the EKE identification code ispreferably unique to the EKE 14, customized recognition data isestablished between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 by this process. Theprocess just described is less secure than the establishment processpreviously described but it is a possible alternative.

Encryption of the PFM Stored in RAM

To further cement the unique relationship between the UAS 12 and the EKE14, a link is preferably formed between the PFM 140 stored on the EKE 14and the UAS 12. To elaborate, the PFM 140 on the EKE 14 is currentlyencrypted using the initial key code provided by the provider, aspreviously explained. This key code is just an arbitrary key code chosenby the provider. There is no link between the initial key code and theUAS 12. To provide this link, the PFM 140 on the EKE 14 is preferablyencrypted using one of the operational key codes specific to the UAS 12.In the preferred embodiment, the operational key code used to encryptthe PFM 140 is preferably the same as that used to encrypt the EKEidentification code, as discussed in the two previous paragraphs. Itshould be noted, however, that any of the operational key codes specificto the UAS 12 may be used for this purpose. With this backgroundinformation in mind, the PFM encryption process will now be described.

Referring again to FIG. 7b, processor 30 begins the encryption process242 by retrieving a selected operation key code from RAM 40. In theexample used above, operation key code₁ was used to encrypt the EKEidentification code. Thus, to continue the example, operational keycode₁ is retrieved here from section 1160 of the RAM 40. Once retrieved,operational key code₁ is used by processor 30 as the encryption key toencrypt 242 the unencrypted PFM instructions 1140 currently stored inthe RAM 40. Preferably, processor encrypts all of the PFM instructions1140 stored in the RAM 40 except for those instructions (unencryptedportion 143) pertaining to processes 174-180, 184-190, 216-224, and225-227 of FIG. 7a, which are left unencrypted. The product of step 242is a new encrypted PFM. Once the new encrypted PFM is derived, processor30 stores 243 the new encrypted PFM 140 onto the EKE 14, preferablyreplacing the encrypted PFM currently stored thereon. Like the oldencrypted PFM, the new encrypted PFM will have an unencrypted portion143 which is capable of carrying out processes 174-180, 184-190,216-224, and 225-227 of FIG. 7a. Unlike the old encrypted PFM, however,the new encrypted PFM is encrypted using one of the operational keycodes specific to the UAS 12. Because of this, there now exists a uniquelink between the new encrypted PFM and the UAS 12. Unless another UAShas the same operational key code stored under the same operational keyfile name (the probability of which is negligible), no other UAS will beable to decrypt or execute the new encrypted PFM. Thus, even if the EKE14 is now lost or stolen, the PFM 140 on the EKE 14 is safe fromtampering.

At this point, it should be noted that the PFM encryption processdescribed above does not alter the PFM instructions 1140 stored in theRAM 40. The unencrypted PFM instructions in the RAM 40 remainunencrypted, even after the encryption process. Thus, these instructionsremain available for execution by the processor 30. All that is changedby the PFM encryption process is the encrypted PFM 140 stored on the EKE14.

Establishment of File Management Parameters

After storing the new encrypted PFM 140 onto the EKE 14, processor 30proceeds to establish parameters for use in managing access to the datafiles 154-164, 170 on the EKE 14. Processor 30 preferably begins theestablishment process by decrypting 244 the information stored in file152 of the EKE 14. Preferably, the information stored in file 152 isdecrypted by executing encryption modules 56, using the initial key codeprovided by the user as the decryption key. Once decrypted, theinformation from file 152 is stored in RAM 40 for subsequent access andmanipulation. Note that this decryption process does not alter file 152stored on the EKE 14. File 152 remains encrypted.

FIG. 8a shows the contents of file 152, stored in RAM 40, afterdecryption. As shown in FIG. 8a, a table 370 of file information ispreferably maintained within file 152. For each of the managed datafiles 154-164, 170, there are six corresponding parameters: (1) a filename; (2) a file address; (3) a file identification code; (4) a filestatus; (5) an operational key file name; and (6) a file reference code.The file name, file address, and file identification code are preferablyassigned by the provider for each of the files 154-164, 170, along witha status flag indicating that the file is closed. However, nooperational key file names or file reference codes are assigned by theprovider. These parameters need to be established by the UAS 12. Thus,one of the purposes of steps 246-260 is to establish an operational keyfile name and a file reference code for each of the managed files154-164, 170. A second purpose is to encrypt the information in each ofthe managed files 154-164, 170 using an appropriate operational keycode. This second purpose will become more clear as steps 246-260 aredescribed.

Processor 30 preferably begins establishing file management data bychoosing one of the managed files (file 154, for example) and selecting246 an operational key file name to associate with the file. Thisselecting step is preferably carried out by accessing section 1160 ofRAM 40, and selecting one of the operational key file names storedtherein. For illustrative purposes, it will be assumed that operationalkey file name₂ is selected. Once selected, the operational key file nameis stored 248 in table 370 in RAM 40, as shown in FIG. 8b. Thereafter,processor 30 uses the selected operational key file name to retrieve 250from section 1160 of RAM 40 the operational key code corresponding tothe selected operational key file name. In the present example, sinceoperational key file name₂ was selected, operational key code₂ will beretrieved. After retrieving the operational key code, processor 30retrieves 252 the file identification code corresponding to file 154 (IDCode₁₅₄), and processes 254 the file identification code using theretrieved operational key code. Preferably, processor 30 carries outprocessing step 254 by encrypting the file identification code, usingthe operational key code as the encryption key. The product ofprocessing step 254 is an encrypted file identification code, alsoreferred to herein as a file reference code. Under the current example,the file reference code for file 154 will be an encrypted version of IDCode₁₅₄, encrypted using operational key code₂ as the encryption key.Once this file reference code is derived, it is stored 255 in table 370in RAM 40, as shown in FIG. 8b. With regard to the entries in the "FileReference Code" column of table 370, the ! are used to indicate that thequantity contained therein is encrypted, while the number following theE denotes the operational key code used as the encryption key, Thus, theentry " ID Code154! E2" indicates that the file reference code wasderived by encrypting ID Code₁₅₄ using operational key code₂ as theencryption key. By implementing steps 246-255 as described above, anoperational key file name and a file reference code are established forfile 154.

Steps 246-255 accomplish the first purpose of the file managementparameter establishment process. The second purpose, that ofre-encrypting the data in a selected managed file 154-164, 170, isaccomplished by steps 256-259. Processor 30 preferably begins there-encrypting process by first decrypting 256 the information stored inthe selected data file (file 154 in the present example). Recall thatfile 154 and the other data files 156-164 on the EKE 14 were initiallyencrypted using the initial key code chosen by the provider. Thus, todecrypt file 154, processor 30 preferably uses the initial key code(previously provided by the user via keyboard subsystem 52) as thedecryption key. Once decrypted, the data from file 154 is stored 257 inRAM 40 for subsequent reference and manipulation. Thereafter, processor30 reencrypts 258 the data from file 154 using a selected operationalkey code as the encryption key. Preferably, the operational key codeused to re-encrypt the data from a file is the same as that used toderive the file reference code for that file. In the present example,operational key code₂ was used to derive the file reference code forfile 154. Thus, operational key code₂ is preferably used to re-encryptthe data from file 154. After the data from file 154 is re-encrypted,the re-encrypted data is stored 259 back into file 154 on the EKE 14,preferably overwriting the information that was previously storedtherein. Thus, after step 259, file 154 on the EKE 14 has been changed.The data in file 154 is no longer encrypted using the initial key codechosen by the provider. Instead, the data is now encrypted using one ofthe operational key codes specific to the UAS 12. Consequently, a uniquerelationship is established between file 154 and the UAS 12. Only UAS 12can now decrypt the information in file 154. The file managementparameter establishment process for file 154 is now complete.

After carrying out step 259, processor 30 proceeds to step 260 todetermine whether more managed files remain to be processed. If so, thenprocessor 30 loops back to step 246 to repeat the file managementparameter establishment process for another managed file. Steps 246-260are preferably repeated until all of the managed files 154-164, 170 havebeen processed as described above for file 154. Once all managed filesare processed, the EKE initialization process is complete.

At this point, a special aspect of the provider historical file 170should be noted. As background, the provider historical file 170 acts asa repository for historical information received from the provider. File170 preferably contains a plurality of historical entries, with eachentry having a unique entry designation associated therewith. In thepreferred embodiment, each of the historical entries bears providerencryption (i.e. encryption to which the user does not have theencryption key); hence, these entries cannot be understood by the user'sUAS/EKE assembly. Since the entries themselves are already encrypted bythe provider, processor 30 need not protect them further by encryptingthem. The entry designations, on the other hand, do not bear providerencryption. To protect these designations from third parties, processor30 preferably encrypts the designations in accordance with the methoddescribed above. Thus, when a statement is made herein that the providerhistorical file 170 is encrypted, it should be understood that it is thedesignations which are being encrypted.

After the file management parameter establishment process has beenperformed for all of the managed files 154-164, 170, table 370 stored inRAM 40 may resemble that shown in FIG. 8b, wherein each of the managedfiles has an operational key file name and a file reference codeassociated therewith. Several points should be noted from FIG. 8b.First, note that the same operational key file name (operational keyfile name₂, for example) may be associated with more than one file.There is no requirement that there be a unique exclusive relationshipbetween a file and its corresponding operational key file name. Second,note that there is no discernible pattern in the association of filewith operational key file name. This shows that no constraints areplaced on the association of files with operational key file names.Overall, there is great flexibility in selecting the parameters used inthe file management process.

The completion of table 370 in RAM 40 is only one of the consequences ofthe file management parameter establishment process. A secondconsequence is that each of the managed files 154-164, 170 on the EKE 14is overwritten. As discussed above in connection with steps 256-259,once an operational key file name is associated with a file, the data inthat file is decrypted and then re-encrypted using the operational keycode corresponding to the selected operational key file name. There-encrypted data is thereafter stored back into the file on the EKE 14,preferably overwriting the data previously stored in the file. Thus,after file management parameters are selected, the information in themanaged files 154-164, 170 will no longer be encrypted according to theinitial key code provided by the provider. Instead, each managed filewill be encrypted according to a particular operational key code.

To illustrate this more clearly, reference will be made to FIG. 8b,which shows that: (1) operational key file name₂ is associated withfiles 154 and 160; (2) operational key file name₁₀ is associated withfile 156; (3) operational key file name₂₀ is associated with files 158and 162; (4) operational key file name₁₉ is associated with file 164;and (5) operational key file name₁₃ is associated with file 170. Basedon this information, the following conclusions can be drawn with regardto the managed files 154-164, 170 stored on the EKE 14 after the filemanagement parameter establishment process is carried out: (1) theinformation in files 154 and 160 are now encrypted using operational keycode₂ as the encryption key; (2) the information in file 156 is nowencrypted using operational key code₁₀ as the encryption key; (3) theinformation in files 158 and 162 are now encrypted using operational keycode₂₀ as the encryption key; (4) the information in file 164 is nowencrypted using operational key code₁₉ as the encryption key; and (5)the information in file 170 is now encrypted using operational keycode₁₃ as the encryption key. As this example illustrates, the filemanagement parameter establishment process reencrypts the information ineach of the managed files 152-164, 170 using one of the operational keycodes stored within the UAS 12. This serves to establish a uniquerelationship between each of the managed files and the UAS 12. No otherUAS 12, unless it has the same operational key codes stored under thesame operational key file names, can now decrypt these managed files.

A third consequence of the file management parameter establishmentprocess is the storage of a plurality of unencrypted data files withinRAM 40. To elaborate, in steps 257 and 258 of FIG. 7b, the informationin each of the managed files 154-164, 170 was decrypted and stored inRAM 40. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9b, RAM 40 now contains a plurality ofunencrypted data files 1254-1264, 1270. These unencrypted data files1254-164, 1270 correspond to the encrypted data files 154-164, 170 onthe EKE 14. That is, unencrypted file 1254 contains an unencryptedversion of the information contained in encrypted file 154, unencryptedfile 1256 contains an unencrypted version of the information containedin encrypted file 156, and so on. The creation of these data files1254-1264, 1270 is useful because it provides processor 30 withunencrypted data that it can use in communicating with the PAS 18 and inthe file management parameter updating process. Files 1254-1264, 1270will be discussed in greater detail in later sections.

Post-initialization Activity

Referring gain to FIG. 7a, after step 182 is completed, the new EKE 14is fully initialized. After initialization, the UAS-EKE assembly 16 isready to interact with the PAS 18. Accordingly, in step 200, control istransferred from the UAS-EKE control portion 1142 of the PFM 1140 (FIG.9a) to the user device-PAS control portion 1144 of the PFM 1140.Thereafter, processor 30 executes the unencrypted instructions inportion 1144 to coordinate interaction between the user device 16 andthe PAS. Under control of portion 1144, processor 30 may execute theapplication portion 145 of the provider-specific software 141 togenerate messages or session codes to send to the PAS 18. Processor 30may also execute the communications modules 146 of the provider-specificsoftware 141 to package the session codes in a proper manner. Inaddition, if the user chooses to actually send the session codes to thePAS 18, then processor 30, under control of portion 1144, coordinatesthe exchange of information between the user device 16 and the PAS 18.Portion 1144 will be described in greater detail in a later section.Once all of the user device-PAS control functions desired by the userare performed under control of portion 1144, then control is preferablytransferred back 202 to the UAS-EKE control portion 1142. In response,processor 30 once again executes the instructions in portion 1142. Morespecifically, processor 30 resumes performing UAS-EKE control functionsby carrying out step 203.

Updating of the Recognition Parameters

As mentioned above, one of the major objectives of the present inventionis to ensure system security. This objective is furthered by dynamicallyand regularly changing the parameters used in implementing therecognition and comprehension methodologies and in managing the files154-164, 170. By changing or updating these parameters on a regularbasis, any information which is fraudulently obtained will be rendereduseful for only a short period of time. Once the parameters are changed,the stolen information will be of little value. Thus, the dynamicalteration of parameters serves to limit the damage caused byintercepted or stolen information. This in turn lessens the incentive totry to steal information from the system 10.

A number of different strategies may be implemented to achieve effectivedynamic alteration of parameters. In the preferred embodiment, theprocessor 30: (1) updates the recognition parameters whenever the userinstructs it to do so; and (2) updates the file management parameterseach time the UAS 12 and EKE 14 interact. However, if so desired, otherstrategies may be used, such as updating all of the parameters everytime the UAS 12 and EKE 14 interact, or updating the parameters everyother time the UAS 12 and EKE 14 interact, or updating the parameters ona random basis. These and other strategies are within the contemplationof the present invention.

Referring again to FIG. 7a, once portion 1142 regains control fromportion 1144, portion 1142 causes the processor 30 to begin carrying outthe updating function. Preferably, processor 30 begins performing thisfunction by querying 203 the user as to whether the user wishes toupdate the recognition parameters. As used in this discussion, therecognition parameters include the operational key file name stored infile 148 of the EKE 14, and the EKE reference code stored in bothsection 1160 of the RAM 40 and section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38(in encrypted form). If the user indicates that he does not wish toupdate the recognition parameters, then processor 30 proceeds to step206. However, if the user indicates that updates are desired, thenprocessor 30 branches to step 204 to implement the updates. Step 204 isshown in greater detail in FIG. 7e.

Processor 30 preferably begins the updating process by selecting 290 anew operational key file name. This is preferably achieved by accessingsection 1160 of RAM 40, and selecting one of the other operational keyfile names stored therein. For illustrative purposes, it will be assumedthat operational key file name₂ is selected. Once the new operationalkey file name is selected, it is stored 290 in file 148 of the EKE 14,preferably replacing the old operational key file name. Thereafter,processor 30 retrieves 292 from section 1160 of RAM 40 the operationalkey code stored as a record under the new operational key file name. Inthe current example, operational key code₂ will be retrieved. Onceretrieved, the new operational key code is used by processor 30 toprocess 294 the EKE identification code stored in file 150 of the EKE14. Preferably, in step 294, processor 30 encrypts the EKEidentification code using the new operational key code as the encryptionkey to derive a new encrypted identification code, referred to as thenew EKE reference code. The encrypting function is preferably carriedout by executing the encryption modules 56. Once derived, the new EKEreference code is stored 296 in section 1160 of the RAM 40 as a recordunder the new operational key file name. In the present example, the newreference code will be stored as a record under operational key filename₂. Once that is done, processor 30 preferably deletes 298 the oldEKE reference code stored under the old operational key file name. Theupdate of the recognition parameters is thus complete.

By storing the new EKE reference code, and by deleting the old EKEreference code, processor 30 has changed the recognition andcomprehension parameters stored in section 1160 of the RAM 40. Thischange needs to be reflected in section 60 of the non-volatile memory38. To update section 60, processor 30 preferably first encrypts 300 theparameters now stored in section 1160 of the RAM 40 using the UAS keycode as the encryption key to derive a new set of encrypted recognitionand comprehension parameters. Processor 30 then stores 302 the newencrypted parameters into section 60 of the non-volatile memory 38,preferably replacing the parameters previously stored therein. Section60 is thus updated. Since section 60 now contains new information,processor 30 preferably sets 304 the "new data" flag to indicate to themaster EKE control program 70 (the next time it is executed by processor30) that section 60 now contains new data which should be copied intothe master EKE 70 for backup purposes.

Two steps 306, 308 still remain to be performed before process 204 isfully implemented. These steps relate to re-encryption of the PFM 140 onthe EKE 14. Recall from a previous discussion relating to steps 242 and243 of FIG. 7b that the PFM 140 stored on the EKE 14 is preferablyencrypted using the same operational key code as that used to derive theEKE reference code. In the above updating steps 290-296, the operationalkey code used to derive the EKE reference code was changed. Thus, thePFM 140 now needs to be re-encrypted using the new operational key code.Accordingly, in step 306, processor 30 encrypts the PFM 1140 stored inRAM 40, using the new operational key code (operational key code₂ in thepresent example) as the encryption key. Preferably, processor 30encrypts all of the PFM instructions 1140 stored in the RAM 40 exceptfor those instructions pertaining to processes 174-180, 184-190,216-224, and 225-227 of FIG. 7a, which are left unencrypted. The productof step 306 is a new encrypted PFM, encrypted using the same operationalkey code as that used to derive the new EKE reference code. Once the newencrypted PFM is derived, processor 30 stores 308 the new encrypted PFM140 onto the EKE 14, preferably replacing the encrypted PFM currentlystored thereon. As was the case with the old encrypted PFM, the newencrypted PFM will have an unencrypted portion 143 which is capable ofcarrying out processes 174-180, 184-190, 216-224, and 225-227 of FIG.7a. After step 308 is performed, the recognition parameter updating step204 is fully implemented.

Updating of the File Management Parameters

Referring again to FIG. 7a, regardless of whether the recognitionparameters are updated, processor 30 preferably carries out step 206 toupdate the file management parameters stored in table 370 of the RAM 40.The process of updating the file management parameters is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 7f. Like the file management parameterestablishment process, the updating process has two purposes. The firstpurpose is to establish a new operational key file name and a new filereference code for each of the managed files 154-164, 170. The secondpurpose is to encrypt each of the managed files using a new operationalkey code. With this background information in mind, the file managementparameter updating process will now be described with reference to FIGS.7f, 8b, 8c, and 9b.

Preferably, processor 30 begins the updating process by selecting one ofthe managed files 154-164, 170 to update. Again, it will be assumed thatfile 154 is selected. Once that is done, processor 30 preferably selects324 a new operational key file name to associate with the selected file.As shown in FIG. 8b, file 154 currently has operational key file name₂associated therewith. Thus, in step 324, an operational key file namedifferent from operational key file name₂ is preferably selected forfile 154. Preferably, processor 30 carries out step 324 by accessingsection 1160 of RAM 40, and selecting one of the other operational keyfiles names stored therein. For illustrative purposes, it will beassumed that operational key name₁₁ is selected for file 154 in step324. Once selected, the new operational key file name is stored in table370 (as shown in FIG. 8c), preferably replacing the old operational keyfile name. Thereafter, processor 30 proceeds to step 326 to retrievefrom section 1160 of the RAM 40 the operational key code correspondingto the new operational key file name. In the present example, sinceoperational key file name₁₁ was selected, operational key code₁₁ will beretrieved. Once retrieved, the new operational key code is used byprocessor 30 to process 328 the file identification code (ID Code₁₅₄)corresponding to file 154. Preferably, in step 328, processor 30encrypts the file identification code using the new operational key codeas the encryption key to derive a new file reference code for file 154.In the present example, the new file reference code will be an encryptedversion of ID Code₁₅₄, encrypted using operational key code₁₁ as theencryption key. Once the new file reference code is derived, it isstored 330 in table 370 (as shown in FIG. 8c), preferably replacing theold file reference code. The entries in table 370 corresponding to file154 are thus updated. After step 330, processor 30 proceeds to step 332to determine whether more managed files remain to be updated. If so,then processor 30 loops back to step 324 to update the parameters foranother managed file. Preferably, steps 324-332 are repeated until thefile management parameters for all of the managed files 154-164, 170 areupdated. After steps 324-332, table 370 may resemble that shown in FIG.9c. A comparison of FIG. 9c with FIG. 9b will reveal that the filemanagement parameters for all of the managed files have indeed beenupdated. Thus, the first purpose of the file management parameter updateprocess is achieved.

To achieve the second purpose (that of re-encrypting each of the managedfiles using a new operational key code), the updated file managementtable 370 shown in FIG. 8c will be used as a guide. Processor 30preferably begins the re-encryption process by selecting one of themanaged files 154-164, 170 to process. Again, it will be assumed file154 is first selected. Once the file is selected, processor 30 retrieves334 from table 370 stored in RAM 40 the new operational key file namecorresponding to the selected file. With reference to FIG. 8c,operational key file name₁₁ will be retrieved for file 154 in thepresent example. Thereafter, processor 30 uses the retrieved operationalkey file name to access section 1160 of the RAM 40 to retrieve 336therefrom the operational key code corresponding to the retrievedoperational key file name. In the current example, operational keycode₁₁ will be retrieved. Once that is performed, processor 30 retrievesfrom RAM 40 the unencrypted data 1254 (FIG. 9b) corresponding to file154. Recall that in steps 256 and 257 of FIG. 7b, the data in file 154and the rest of the managed files 156-164, 170 were decrypted and storedin RAM 40 as unencrypted data files 1254-1264, 1270, as shown in FIG.9b. These unencrypted data files 1254-1264, 1270 can now be used byprocessor 30 for encryption purposes.

Once the unencrypted data 1254 for file 154 is retrieved from RAM 40,processor 30 encrypts 340 the data using the new operational key code(operational key code₁₁) as the encryption key to derive a new set ofencrypted file data. Once derived, this new encrypted file data isstored 342 in file 154 of the EKE 14, preferably overwriting the datathat is currently stored therein. Thus, file 154 on the EKE 14 isupdated. More specifically, the data in file 154 has been re-encryptedusing a new operational key code. After step 342, processing of file 154is finished. Thereafter, processor 30 proceeds to step 344 to determinewhether more managed files 154-164, 170 remain to be updated. If so,then processor 30 loops back to step 334 to re-encrypt the data inanother file. Preferably, steps 334-344 are repeated until all of themanaged files 154-164, 170 have been processed. At the end of thisprocess, all of the managed files 154-164, 170 on the EKE 14 will havebeen re-encrypted using a new operational key code specific to the UAS12. The file management parameter update process 206 is now complete.

Termination of UAS-EKE Interaction

After the file management parameters have been updated, processor 30 isalmost ready to terminate interaction between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14.Before interaction is terminated, however, processor 30 performs twomore tasks. First, processor 30 stores the updated file managementinformation contained in table 370 into file 152 of the EKE 14. Becausetable 370 contains important file access information, it should not bestored on EKE 14 unprotected. Thus, in storing the file managementinformation onto EKE 14, processor 30 preferably first encrypts 208 theinformation in table 370. Step 208 is preferably carried out by firstsetting all of the status flags in table 370 to "closed". Thereafter,processor 30 retrieves from file 148 of the EKE 14 the operational keyfile name stored therein. Then, using this operational key file name,processor 30 accesses section 1160 of the RAM 40 to retrieve therefromthe operational key code corresponding to the operational key file name.Thereafter, using the retrieved operational key code as the encryptionkey, processor 30 encrypts the information in table 370 stored in RAM 40to derive a set of encrypted file management data. Once that is done,processor 30 stores 210 the encrypted file management data into file 152of the EKE 14, preferably overwriting any information that is currentlystored therein. Thus, file management data is stored on the EKE 14 in asafe and protected fashion.

As a final task, processor 30 checks 212 the status of a "pause mode"flag. If the flag is set, then processor 30 encrypts the informationstored in file 166 of the EKE 14. As will be explained in more detaillater, pause mode is a mode of operation which allows a user to storesession codes for later access. This mode of operation is useful forprematurely halting the generation of session codes. For example, if auser has generated some but not all of the session codes he wishes tosend to a PAS 18, and for some reason, needs to stop, he can prematurelyend the session code generation process by invoking pause mode. Wheninvoked, pause mode causes the already generated session codes to bestored in file 166 so that the user can retrieve them at a later time.Thus, when invoked, pause mode causes unencrypted session codes to bestored into file 166 of the EKE 14.

As mentioned earlier, it is undesirable to store any information on theEKE 14 unprotected. Thus, if session codes are stored in file 166, thenprocessor 30 preferably encrypts 214 the session codes to protect themfrom unauthorized access. Encryption step 214 is quite similar toencryption step 208 discussed above. More particularly, processor 30preferably encrypts the session codes by first retrieving from file 148of the EKE 14 the operational key file name stored therein. Then, usingthis operational key file name, processor 30 accesses section 1160 ofthe RAM 40 to retrieve therefrom the operational key code correspondingto the operational key file name. Thereafter, using the retrievedoperational key code as the encryption key, processor 30 encrypts thesession codes stored in file 166 to derive a set of encrypted sessioncodes. Once that is done, processor 30 stores the encrypted sessioncodes into file 166 of the EKE 14, preferably overwriting the sessioncodes currently stored therein. The session codes are now protected. Atthis point, processor 30, under control of the UAS-EKE control portion1142 of the unencrypted PFM 1140, has performed all of its necessarycontrol functions. Thus, the initial session between the UAS 12 and theEKE 14 can now be terminated.

As mentioned previously, the integrated and distributed embodiments(FIGS. 2a and 2b) of the UAS 12 function in substantially the samemanner. For the most part, this is true. However, with regard to thedistributed embodiment, one additional consideration needs to be takeninto account. This consideration relates to the storage of theunencrypted data from files 152-164, 170 in the RAM 94 (FIG. 2b). Toelaborate, in the integrated embodiment, the user has full control overthe UAS 12. Hence, after operation, the user is free to deactivate theUAS 12. By deactivating the UAS 12, the user is in effect purging fromthe volatile RAM 40 all of the unencrypted information stored therein.Hence, after deactivation, no records remain of the unencrypted data,which is a desirable result. In the distributed embodiment, however,because the hardware portion 80 of the UAS 12 may be under the controlof a third party, the user may not have the luxury of being able todeactivate the hardware portion 80 to purge the RAM 94 of its contents.Hence, in the distributed embodiment, unless some procedure isimplemented to eradicate the data stored in RAM 94, unencrypted datafrom files 152-164, 170 will remain in the RAM 94, freely accessible toany device which knows how to access it. This is a very undesirable anddangerous scenario.

To prevent such a scenario from arising, the UAS-EKE control portion1142 of the PFM preferably causes the processor 80 to perform onefurther process before terminating interaction between the UAS 12 andthe EKE 14. This process involves overwriting all of the RAM, or atleast portions of the RAM 94 in which unencrypted data was stored, withrandom data. As an example, processor 80 may write a "1" into all of theselected portions of the RAM 94, or processor 80 may write a "0" intoall of the selected portions, or processor 80 may write any combinationof "1" and "0" into the selected portions. Any data pattern may bewritten into the RAM 94 so long as the unencrypted data containedtherein is eradicated. Once the RAM 94 is purged in this manner, theninteraction between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 can be terminated.

Normal UAS-EKE Operation

The next time UAS 12 and EKE 14 are coupled to each other via storagedevice interface 32, processor 30 will again first access and executethe unencrypted portion 143 of the PFM 140 stored on the EKE 14. Undercontrol of portion 143, processor 30 will determine 174 whether modules172 are stored on the EKE 14. If so, then processor 30 will lead themodules into the RAM 40 and set the "override" flag. Thereafter,processor 30 will again determine 177 whether the EKE 14 is a new one bychecking file 148 for an operational key file name. This time, however,there will be a file name stored in file 148; thus, processor 30 willnot perform the initialization steps 178-182. Instead, processor 30 willsettle into regular operational mode. This mode of operation will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 7a.

Still under control of portion 143, processor 30 continues processing bychecking 184 for a "delayed transmission" flag. If the flag is set, thenit indicates that delayed transmission mode has been invoked. In such acase, processor 30 branches to step 225 to implement the delayedtransmission mode of operation. Before describing steps 225-227 andsteps 216-224 in detail, however, a short discussion of the delayedtransmission mode of operation will be provided.

Delayed Transmission Mode

Delayed transmission mode is a mode of operation which is designed toincrease convenience to the user. To elaborate, in normal operation, thePFM 140 on the EKE 14 causes processor 30 to implement a recognitionmethodology to determine whether the EKE 14 and the UAS 12 areauthorized to interact with each other. As discussed above, the system10 of the present invention is set up such that each EKE 14 ispreferably authorized to interact with only one principal UAS 12. Whilethis aspect of the invention greatly enhances system security, there maybe instances where a user wishes to use an EKE 14 with a UAS other thanthe principal UAS. To allow for such a scenario, the present inventionprovides a delayed transmission mode whereby an EKE 14 may be operatedwith any compatible UAS. In delayed transmission mode, the PFM 140 doesnot cause the processor in the UAS to implement a recognitionmethodology; hence, any UAS may interact with the EKE. At the same time,though, PFM 140 does not allow the processor 30 to access any of thefiles 148-172 or programs 141 on the EKE 14. Instead, the processor 60is allowed to access only file 166 of the EKE 14 wherein pregeneratedmessages or session codes are stored, and file 167. Even with thislimited access, however, a UAS and an EKE can communicate with aprovider device by accessing and sending the stored session codes infile 166 to the provider device, and by receiving and storingconfirmation information from the provider device in file 167. Hence,delayed transmission mode provides a good compromise between securityand flexibility. It allows an EKE 14 to be used with any compatible UASto communicate with a provider while, at the same time, preserving thesecurity of the files on the EKE 14. With this background information inmind, delayed transmission mode will now be described.

Referring again to FIG. 7a, processor 30, under control of unencryptedportion 143, preferably begins operating in delayed transmission mode byquerying 225 the user as to whether the user wishes to abort thetransmission. If so, then processor 30 deletes 226 the session codesstored in file 166, resets 227 the "delayed transmission" flag, andterminates operation. On the other hand, if the user wishes to continuewith the transmission, then processor 30 proceeds to step 216 to accessfile 166 to retrieve the session codes stored therein. Preferably, thestored session codes contain all of the information needed to properlycommunicate with a provider, and are in a form expected by the provider.After the session codes are retrieved, processor 30 executes thecommunications modules 58 stored in non-volatile memory 38 to send 218the session codes to the provider via the communications interface 34.Once sent, the session codes are preferably purged 220 from file 166.Thereafter, processor 30 waits for a response from the provider. Whenconfirmation information or confirmation codes are received 221 from theprovider, processor 30 stores 221 the confirmation codes in file 167 forsubsequent processing. Processor 30 then sets 222 an update flag. Aswill be explained in a subsequent section, this update flag causes theprincipal UAS 12, the next time it interacts with the EKE 14, to processthe confirmation codes stored in file 167 to implement any necessaryupdates. Once that is done, the delayed transmission flag is reset 224to indicate that delayed transmission mode has been implemented, and toplace the EKE 14 back into normal operational mode. Thereafter, portion143 causes processor 30 to terminate interaction between the UAS 12 andthe EKE 14.

Recognition Methodology

Returning to step 184, if the delayed transmission flag is not set, thenprocessor 30 proceeds to implement 186 the recognition methodology ofthe present invention. Step 186 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7c.Processor 30 begins the recognition process by retrieving 262 theoperational key file name and the EKE identification code stored infiles 148 and 150, respectively, of the EKE 14. Then, using theretrieved operational key file name as an index, processor 30 retrieves264 from section 1160 of the RAM 40 the operational key code stored as arecord under the retrieved operational key file name. If the retrievedoperational key file name is not found in the RAM 40, then it mostlikely means that the UAS 12 is not the proper UAS. In such a case,interaction between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 is terminated in order toprevent unauthorized access of the EKE 14.

On the other hand, if the retrieved operational key file name is foundin the RAM 40, then the operational key code corresponding to theretrieved operational key file name is retrieved from the RAM 40. Onceretrieved, this operational key code is used to process 266 the EKEidentification code. Preferably, in step 266, processor 30 encrypts (byexecuting encryption modules 56) the EKE identification code using theoperational key code as the encryption key to derive a processed EKEidentification code. Thereafter, the processed EKE identification codeis compared 268 to the EKE reference code stored as a record under theretrieved operational key file name in section 1160 of the RAM 40.Recall that in the previous session conducted between the UAS 12 and theEKE 14, the EKE reference code was derived by encrypting the same EKEidentification code using the same operational key code. Thus, theprocessed EKE identification code and the EKE reference code should beconsistent. If they are not, then it means that the EKE 14 contains thewrong operational key file name, or the wrong EKE identification code,or both. Whatever the reason, if the two codes are not consistent, thenthe EKE 14 is not a recognized EKE. Referring again to FIG. 7a, if theEKE 14 is not a recognized EKE, then it means that the UAS 12 and theEKE 14 are not authorized to interact with each other. Consequently,processor 30 terminates interaction between the two unauthorizedcomponents.

Thus far, the recognition methodology of the present invention has beendescribed as including a processing step 266 wherein the EKEidentification code is processed using the operational key code beforebeing compared to the EKE reference code stored in the RAM 40. Whilethis is the preferred embodiment, it should be noted that a simpler butless secure process may be employed if so desired. Under thisalternative method, recognition is carried out by processor 30 by firstretrieving the operational key file name and the EKE identification codefrom files 148 and 150, respectively, of the EKE 14. Then, using theoperational key file name, processor 30 retrieves a pre-stored EKEreference code stored under the operational key file name in RAM 40.Thereafter, processor 30 compares the EKE reference code to the EKEidentification code to determine if they are consistent. If the twocodes are not consistent, then the EKE 14 is not a recognized EKE.Consequently, processor 30 terminates interaction between the UAS 12 andthe EKE 14.

Decryption of the PFM on the EKE

Returning to step 188 of FIG. 7a, if the EKE 14 is a recognized EKE,then processor 30 proceeds to decrypt 189 the remainder of the PFM 140,including the encrypted parts of portion 142 and the entirety of portion144. Preferably, step 189 is performed as follows. First, processor 30retrieves the operational key file name stored in file 148 of the EKE14. Then, using this operational key file name, processor 30 retrievesfrom section 1160 of the RAM 40 the operational key code correspondingto the operational key file name. Once this operational key code isretrieved, it is used by processor 30 as a decryption key to decrypt thePFM 140 stored on the EKE 14. Once decrypted, the decrypted PFM isstored in its entirety (including those portions corresponding tounencrypted portion 143) in RAM 40. FIG. 9a shows the contents of RAM 40after this decryption process. As shown, RAM 40 now contains anunencrypted version 1140 of the PFM 140 on the EKE 14, comprising anunencrypted UAS-EKE control portion 1142 and an unencrypted userdevice-PAS control portion 1144. Once the PFM 140 is decrypted andstored in RAM 40, processor 30 begins executing the unencrypted PFMinstructions stored in the RAM 40. At this point, processor 30 is stillcontrolling interaction between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14. Thus,processor continues operation by executing the unencrypted instructionsin portion 1142.

File Management

Under control of portion 1142, processor 30 proceeds to step 191 todecrypt the encrypted file management data stored in file 152 of the EKE14. This decryption process is quite similar to that performed fordecrypting the PFM 140. More specifically, processor 30 begins process191 by retrieving the operational key file name stored in file 148 ofthe EKE 14. Then, using this operational key file name, processor 30accesses section 1160 of the RAM 40 to retrieve therefrom theoperational key code corresponding to the operational key file name.After the operational key code is retrieved, processor 30 uses the keycode as a decryption key to decrypt the data in file 152. Oncedecrypted, the data in file 152 (which in actuality is table 370 of FIG.8c containing the file management parameters) is stored in RAM 40. Thus,after step 191, RAM 40 contains table 370, which in turn contains thefile management parameters needed to obtain access to the managed files154-164, 170 on the EKE 14. With file 152 decrypted and table 370 ofFIG. 8c derived, the processor 30 can now use the information in table370 to perform its file management function 192.

FIG. 7d provides a more detailed flow diagram for process 192.Preferably, processor 30 performs the file management function by firstselecting 270 one of the managed files 154-164, 170, and then retrieving270 from table 370 the operational key file name and the fileidentification code corresponding to the chosen file. Processor 30 thenuses the operational key file name as an index to retrieve 272 fromsection 1160 of the RAM 40 the operational key code corresponding to theoperational key file name. If this operational key file name is notfound in the RAM 40, then it most likely means that the EKE 14 isinteracting with an improper UAS (i.e. a UAS other than the principalUAS). In such a case, processor 30 preferably halts operation.

On the other hand, if the operational key file name is found in the RAM40, then the operational key code corresponding to the operational keyfile name is retrieved. Once retrieved, the operational key code is usedby processor 30 to process 274 the file identification code. Preferably,in step 274, processor 30 derives a processed file identification codeby encrypting the file identification code, using the operational keycode as the encryption key. Once the processed file identification codeis derived, it is compared 276 with the file reference code stored intable 370 for the selected file. If the file reference code isinconsistent with the processed file identification code, then anaccessing error has occurred, which could mean that an unauthorized useris trying to access the managed files 154-164, 170. To preventunauthorized access to the managed files, processor 30 preferablyprematurely terminates interaction between the UAS 12 and the EKE 14.

On the other hand, if the processed file identification code isconsistent with the file reference code stored in table 370 for theselected file, then the file status flag in table 370 corresponding tothe selected file is set 280 to "open". Thereafter, processor 30determines whether more managed files remain to be processed. If so,then processor 30 loops back to step 270 to select and to processanother managed file. Preferably, steps 270-282 are repeated untileither the status of all of the managed files 154-164, 170 has been setto "open" or an accessing error is encountered.

If all of the status flags in table 370 have been set to "open", thenprocessor 30 proceeds to step 286 to decrypt and store the data in allof the managed files 154-164, 170 into RAM 40 for subsequent access andmanipulation. Process 286 will be described with reference to table 370of FIG. 8c. Process 286 preferably begins with processor 30 selectingone of the files (file 154, for example) listed in the table 370. Then,processor 30 retrieves from the table 370 the operational key file name(operational key file name₁₁) associated with the selected file 154.Once retrieved, the operational key file name₁₁ is used by processor 30to access section 1160 of the RAM 40, and to retrieve therefrom theoperational key code (operational key code₁₁) corresponding to theoperational key file name₁₁. Once that is done, processor 30 uses theoperational key code₁₁ as a decryption key to decrypt the data containedin file 154 of the EKE 14. Once decrypted, the data from file 154 isstored in section 1254 (FIG. 9b) of RAM 40. Thus, the RAM 40 nowcontains an unencrypted version of the data in file 154 which can bemanipulated. The decryption process for file 154 is now complete.

To continue process 286, processor 30 selects another listed file (file156, for example). Once the file is selected, processor 30 retrievesfrom table 370 the operational key file name (operational key filename₁₅) associated with the selected file 156. Then, using the retrievedoperational key file name₁₅, processor 30 accesses section 1160 of theRAM 40 and retrieves therefrom the operational key code (operational keycode₁₅) corresponding to the operational key file name15. Onceretrieved, the operational key code₁₅ is used by processor 30 as adecryption key to decrypt the data contained in file 156 of the EKE 14.Once decrypted, the data from file 156 is stored in section 1256 (FIG.9b) of RAM 40. RAM 40 now contains unencrypted data from file 156 whichcan be manipulated. Thus, the decryption process for file 156 iscomplete.

Processor 30 preferably repeats this process of selecting, decrypting,and storing data files until all of the files listed in table 370 havebeen processed. After process 286 is completed, the contents of RAM 40will resemble that shown in FIG. 9b, wherein the RAM 40 containsunencrypted data from all of the managed files 154-164, 170. Thisunencrypted data 1254-1256, 1270 will be manipulated and possiblyaltered in the course of communicating with the PAS 18. At this point,it should be noted that decryption process 286 does not alter the files154-164, 170 on the EKE 14. These files remain encrypted. The onlyunencrypted version of the data in files 154-164, 170 is stored insections 1154-1264, 1270 of the RAM 40.

One last function performed in process 286 is that of decrypting thesession codes stored in file 166 of the EKE 14. Recall from a previousdiscussion relating to steps 212 and 214 of FIG. 7a that if pause modeis invoked, the session codes stored in file 166 will be encrypted. Ifthe session codes in file 166 were encrypted in a previous session, thenthey will need to be decrypted in the current session. Thus, as part ofthe decryption process 286, processor 30 preferably checks the status ofthe "pause mode" flag. If this flag is set, then processor 30 willdecrypt the encrypted session codes stored in file 166. Processor 30preferably carries out this decryption process by retrieving from file148 of the EKE 14 the operational key file name stored therein. Then,using the operational key file name, processor 30 retrieves from section1160 of the RAM 40 the operational key code corresponding to theoperational key file name. Once retrieved, the operation key code isused by processor 30 as a decryption key to decrypt the encryptedsession codes in file 166. Once decrypted, the sessions codes are storedback into file 166. Process 286 has now been fully explained.

Transfer of Control to the User Device-PAS Control Portion of the PFM

Referring again to FIG. 7a, once data from the managed files 154-164,170 have been decrypted and stored in RAM 40, processor 30 has all ofthe data it will need to communicate with the PAS 18. Thus, processor 30is now ready to coordinate the exchange of information with the PAS 18.Hence, in step 200, control is transferred from the UAS-EKE controlportion 1142 over to the user device-PAS control portion 1144 of theunencrypted PFM 1140 (FIG. 9b). Thereafter, processor 30 beginsexecuting the unencrypted instructions in portion 1144 to coordinatecommunication with the PAS 18. Steps 200-214 are carried out here in thesame manner as in the previous session. Thus, they need not be describedagain. It should just be noted that after the current session, the filemanagement parameters and possibly the recognition parameters will onceagain be updated so that the next time the UAS 12 and the EKE 14interact, they will use different parameters. The UAS-EKE controlportion 1142 of the PFM 1140 has now been fully described.

Before proceeding to the other features of the invention, one uniqueaspect of the EKE 14 and the UAS 12 should be emphasized. Note that inthe system of the present invention, recognition between the UAS 12 andthe EKE 14 is carried out by having the processor 30 in the UAS 12access and execute the instructions in unencrypted portion 143 of thePFM 140. Put another way, the processor 30 relies on the instructionsstored on the external storage device (the EKE) to determine whether itcan further access that particular storage device. This is a very uniquearrangement. In contrast, in the prior art systems, a processing devicecontains all of the processing capability and the logic necessary fordetermining whether it can interact with a storage device. It does notrely on any instructions stored on the storage device. An ATM is anexample. A typical ATM determines whether a storage device (an ATM card)is a proper device by executing instructions stored within the ATMitself. The ATM does not rely on any instructions from the ATM card forcarrying out the verification process.

A major advantage of the arrangement disclosed in the present inventionis that it allows a storage device, having no processing power of itsown, to be its own protector. To elaborate, in the prior art systems,the processing device is entrusted with the entire verificationfunction. The sole purpose of the storage device is to provideinformation, not instructions, to be used in the verification process.In such an arrangement, recognition is a one-way street; the processingdevice can determine whether the storage device is valid, but thestorage device has no way of verifying that the processing device is avalid device. In such a system, it is a relatively simple matter for aninvalid processing device to steal information from a storage device.Such is not the case in the present invention. In system 10 of thepresent invention, a processing device, in order to gain access to thedata and programs stored on the storage device, must first access andexecute the unencrypted control instructions 143 on the storage device.Only if the processor 30, under control of portion 143, is satisfiedthat the processing device and the storage device are authorized tointeract with each other will further access to the storage device begranted. Thus, in system 10, recognition is a two-way street;interaction between the processing device and the storage device will beallowed only if both devices are valid. Thus, due to the presence of theUAS-EKE control instructions 142 (including unencrypted portion 143),the storage device of the present invention is able to protect itselffrom invalid processing devices. This unique aspect of the inventionmakes system 10 much more secure than the systems of the prior art. TheUAS-EKE control portion 142 of the PFM 140, and the interaction betweenthe UAS 12 and the EKE 14, have now been fully described.

User Device-PAS Interaction

The UAS-EKE control portion 142 is only one part of the PFM 140. The PFM140 also includes a user device-PAS control portion 144. It is thisportion 144, when executed by processor 30, which coordinates theexchange of information between the user device 16 (formed by UAS 12 andthe EKE 14) and the PAS 18.

As a recap, processor 30, under control of the unencrypted portion 143of the PFM 140, determines whether the UAS 12 and the EKE 14 areauthorized to interact with each other. Once processor 30 determinesthat interaction is authorized, processor 30 carries out steps 189-190of FIG. 7a to decrypt the PFM 140 on the EKE 14, and to store theunencrypted PFM 1140 into the RAM 40. As stored in RAM 40, theunencrypted PFM 1140 includes an unencrypted UAS-EKE control portion1142 and an unencrypted user device-PAS control portion 1144. After theunencrypted PFM 1140 is stored in RAM 40, processor 30 begins executingthe instructions in the UAS-EKE control portion 1142. Under control ofportion 1142, processor 30 carries out steps 191 and 192 of FIG. 7a.More specifically, processor 30 decrypts and stores table 370 into RAM40. Further, processor 30 decrypts and store the data in files 154-164,170 into RAM 40. By the end of step 192, the contents of RAM 40 resemblethat shown in FIG. 9b. At this point, RAM 40 contains all of the dataneeded to communicate with the PAS 18. Thus, in step 200 of FIG. 7a,control is transferred from the UAS-EKE control portion 1142 to the userdevice-PAS control portion 1144. Thereafter, processor 30 beginsexecuting the instructions stored in portion 1144 to carry out the userdevice-PAS control functions.

Control portion 1144 is responsible for coordinating the exchange ofinformation between the user device 16 and the PAS 18. In carrying outthis overall coordination function, portion 1144 cause processor 30 toperform a number of sub-functions. First, processor 30 generates themessages or session codes which are to be sent to the PAS 18.Preferably, processor 30 performs this function by executing theapplication portion 145 of the provider-specific software 141 (FIG. 6).Second, processor 30 packages the session codes in a manner expected bythe PAS 18. This function is preferably performed by executing thecommunications modules 146 of the provider-specific software 141. Third,processor 30 implements the recognition and comprehension methodologiesof the present invention. More specifically, processor 30 cooperateswith the PAS 18 to carry out a recognition procedure for ensuring thatonly proper parties are allowed to communicate. Processor 30 alsopreferably carries out an encryption/decryption methodology to preventthird parties from comprehending the information exchanged between theuser device 16 and the PAS 18. In addition, processor 30 cooperates withthe PAS 18 to dynamically alter the parameters used in the recognitionand comprehension processes to make the system 10 more difficult tobreak into, and to minimize the damage caused by fraudulently obtainedinformation. Overall, portion 1144 causes the processor 30 to work inconjunction with the PAS 18 to ensure that communications between theuser device 16 and the PAS 18 are secured. Because the operation ofportion 1144 is so entwined with that of the PAS 18, the operation ofportion 1144 will be best understood if described in conjunction withthe operation of PAS 18. Hence, PAS 18 will first be described.

PAS

With reference to FIG. 10, there is shown a block diagram representationof the PAS 18 of the present invention. PAS 18 preferably comprises aprocessor 400, a program memory 402 for storing the programs executed byprocessor 400, a communications interface 404 for forming acommunications link with the user device 16, and a storage device 406for storing recognition and comprehension parameter information for eachuser device with which the PAS 18 communicates. In the preferredembodiment, storage device 406 may take on a number of different formsincluding a hard drive, an optical drive, a memory, or some other devicecapable of storing information. Storage device 406 may be a part of thePAS 18, as shown in FIG. 10, or it may be a separate and distinctcomponent which is accessed by the PAS 18. Both embodiments arecontemplated in the present invention.

As mentioned above, the storage device 406 stores specific recognitionand comprehension information for each user device with which the PAS 18communicates. This information preferably includes (for each userdevice) a user device file name which uniquely identifies the userdevice to the PAS 18, an EKE identification code, an encryptedapplication address (EAA) associated with the user device, the key codesused in implementing the recognition and comprehension methodologies,and at least some of the provider historical file entries maintained inthe provider historical file 170 of the EKE 14. Preferably, thisinformation is stored in storage 406 in such a way that, for each userdevice, a user file is created. The user file is assigned the userdevice file name, and the parameters associated with the particular userdevice are stored as records in the user file. Preferably, this samerecognition and comprehension information is stored in files 154-162,170 of the EKE 14 (in encrypted form). This ensures that when the userdevice 16 and the PAS 18 communicate, they will be able to understandone another.

Note that the only information stored in the user file of the PASstorage 406 is recognition and comprehension information relating to theuser device. There is no other user-specific information, such as actualaccount information, demographics, etc., stored in the user file.Instead, this information is stored at a location derived from the EAA.More specifically, the EAA is an encrypted address which was encryptedusing a secret provider key code known only to the provider. When theEAA is decrypted using the secret provider key code, an encryptedtransaction address (ETA) is derived therefrom. This ETA represents thelocation in the provider system wherein the user-specific information isactually stored. The ETA may be represented by a number of sub-addresseswhich, in turn, represent separate user sub-accounts. These sub-accountsare usually accessed by specific session codes and accompanying DPIN's.The user-specific information is stored in this manner to preventparties at the provider's site (such as employees) from being able toaccess the information without authorization. Even if the employee hasthe user's EAA, he will not be able to access the user's specificinformation because he will not know, unless he decrypts the EAA, wherethe information is actually located.

To enable the PAS 18 to communicate with the user device 16, PAS 18comprises the communications interface 404. Interface 404 preferablycomprises a modem 415, a telephone port 416 coupled to the modem 415 forconnecting to and communicating via a universal telephone line, and ananalog 418 and a digital port 420, both of which are coupled to themodem 415, for communicating through RF, optical, or cable means.Because of the various parts, communications interface 404 allows PAS 18to communicate with the user device 16 through a variety of avenues.

The programs or modules which are needed by processor 400 to carry outits intended functions are stored in program memory 402. Preferably,memory 402 contains therein a recognition and comprehension controlprogram 408, a communications control program 410, encryption modules412, and optionally, a session code processing program 414. Recognitionand comprehension control program 408 is the main program which isexecuted by processor 400 to carry out most of the functions of the PAS18. More specifically, control program 408 causes processor 400 toimplement the recognition methodology of the present invention. Inaddition, control program 408 coordinates the encryption/decryption ofmessages, and the updating of recognition and encryption parameters. Itis control program 408 which coordinates the execution of the otherprograms or modules in memory 402. Program 408 will be described ingreater detail in a subsequent section.

In the preferred embodiment, substantially all of the control functionsperformed by the PAS 18 are carried out by processor 400 under controlof the recognition and comprehension control program 408. It should benoted, however, that if so desired, some or all of the functionsperformed by processor 400 and program 408 may be carried out by ahardwired logic circuit instead. That is, processor 400 and program 408may be replaced, in whole or in part, with a logic circuit designed toperform equivalent functions. As an example, processor 400 and program408 may carry out the recognition portion of the methodology of thepresent invention while a logic circuit performs the updating of therecognition parameters. Other divisions of functions are of coursepossible. As a matter of practicality, the processor/programimplementation is preferred because it is more flexible and costefficient than the alternatives. Nonetheless, the hardwired logiccircuit is a possible alternative. Such implementations are within thescope and contemplation of the present invention.

In communicating with the user device via the communications link,certain communications protocols will need to be observed. The functionof the communications control program 410 is to ensure that outgoingmessages are sent using the proper protocol, and that incoming messagesare deciphered using the proper protocol. There exists a variety ofprotocols which may be employed to carry out the exchange ofinformation. Which protocol is implemented by program 410 is determinedby the control program 408, as will be explained in a subsequentsection.

Also stored in memory 402 are the encryption modules 412. Like theencryption modules 56 in UAS 12, modules 412 preferably perform twomajor functions. First, modules 412 implement one or more selectedencryption/decryption algorithms to encrypt/decrypt data according to acertain encryption key. The algorithms implemented by modules 412 may beindustry accepted standard algorithms such as DES, SKIPJACK, and otherwell known algorithms, or they may be proprietary algorithms. In thepreferred embodiment, modules 412 implement industry accepted algorithmsin order to maximize compatibility. Second, modules 412 may be calledupon to generate random numbers. This feature of module 412 is used inupdating the recognition and comprehension parameters.

As an option, program memory 402 may further contain therein a sessioncode processing program 414. Once the PAS 18 has determined that a userdevice is a valid device, and has decrypted the incoming session codes,the session codes need to be processed to carry out the transactiondesired by the user. The function of program 414 is to process thesesession codes. Because the incoming session codes are customized to aspecific provider, the session code processing program 414 is alsopreferably customized to the same provider. As an alternative, the PAS18 need not process the session codes at all, but instead, may relay thecodes, along with the EAA, on to a separate provider processing device(not shown) which actually performs the processing function. In such acase, program 414 need not be maintained in memory 402. Both embodimentsare contemplated by the present invention.

Normal User Device-PAS Operation

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the operation of the user device 16and the PAS 18 will now be described in detail. FIG. 11 is anoperational flow diagram for the user device-PAS control portion 1144 ofthe PFM 1140, while FIG. 12 is an operational flow diagram for therecognition and comprehension control program 408 of the PAS 18. Sinceit is the user device 16 which initiates communication between the twocomponents, the operation of user device 16 will first be described.

Referring now to FIG. 11, processor 30, under control of portion 1144,preferably begins operation by determining 450 whether the update flagon the EKE 14 is set. The update flag will be set if, in a previoussession involving the EKE 14, delayed transmission mode was invoked. Toelaborate, recall that delayed transmission mode is a mode of operationwhich allows the EKE 14, using any compatible UAS 12, to send a set ofsession codes to the PAS 18. A result of this mode of operation is thata set of confirmation codes, received from the PAS 18 after the sessioncodes are processed, will be stored in file 167 of the EKE 14. Theseconfirmation codes may and probably will contain updates to some of therecognition and comprehension parameters stored on the EKE 14. Theseupdates may include new key codes, a new user device file name, a newEAA, privileges to be stored in file 168, and updates to the historicalfiles 164 and 170. These updates are important and should be processedby the principal UAS 12 before any further session codes are generatedor sent to the PAS 18. For this reason, processor 30 preferably checksthe status of the update flag before proceeding with any other function.

If the update flag is not set, then processor 30 proceeds to step 462 tobegin coordinating communication with the PAS 18. However, if the updateflag is set, then processor 30 preferably carries out the updatingprocess 452-460 shown in FIG. 11. More specifically, processor 30 beginsby retrieving the update information stored in file 167. Once retrieved,the information in file 167 is preferably purged. Thereafter, processor30 processes 452 the information from file 167 to derive meaningful datatherefrom. A point to note is that when update information is receivedfrom PAS 18, the information is preferably encrypted according to acurrent session key code. Hence, in order to derive meaningfulinformation from file 167, the information stored therein is firstdecrypted. Thus, in step 452, processor 30 decrypts the informationstored in file 167 by first deriving the current session key code. Thisis preferably achieved by: (1) retrieving a current user key code (CUKC)from file 1258 of the RAM 40; (2) retrieving a current provider key code(CPKC) from file 1260 of the RAM 40; and (3) combining the CUKC and theCPKC to derive the current session key code (CSKC). Once the CSKC isderived, processor 30 executes the encryption modules 56 in UAS 12,using the CSKC as the decryption key, to decrypt the information in file167.

Thereafter, processor 30 extracts a user device file name from thedecrypted information, and compares 454 this file name with the userdevice file name stored in file 1254 of the RAM 40. If the two filenames are not consistent, then recognition between the user device 16and PAS 18 is not confirmed. As a result, the update information isdisregarded 456. On the other hand, if the two file names areconsistent, then processor 30 proceeds to update 460 the parameters andhistorical files on the EKE 14 with the decrypted information from file167. Step 460 may entail storing a new user device file name in file1254, storing a new EAA in file 1256, storing new key codes in files1260 and 1262, and storing new information in files 1264 and 1270 of theRAM 40. Step 460 may also entail storing remote privileges into file 168of the EKE 14. Once the files in the RAM 40, and possibly the files onthe EKE 14 are updated, processor 30 goes on to step 462 to begincarrying out its regular coordination function.

At step 462, processor 30 determines, by prompting the user, whether theuser wishes to prepare for communication with the PAS 18. In the presentinvention, it is not required that the user device 16 communicate withthe PAS 18 each time the user device-PAS portion 1144 is executed. Auser may run portion 1144 simply to update the EKE 14 with informationfrom file 167 as described above. Whatever the reason, if communicationwith the PAS 18 is not desired, then control is transferred 470 back tothe UAS-EKE control portion 1142 of the RAM 40. On the other hand, ifthe user does wish to prepare for communication with the PAS 18, thenprocessor 30 proceeds to step 463 to check the status of the "pausemode" flag on the EKE 14. This flag will be set if, in a previoussession, the user prematurely halted the process of generating sessioncodes, thereby causing the session codes already generated to be storedin file 166 of the EKE 14. If the "pause mode" flag is not set, thenprocessor 30 proceeds to step 466. However, if the flag is set, thenprocessor 30 retrieves 464 the stored session codes from file 166 of theEKE 14. This allows the user to use, in the current session, the sessioncodes generated in a previous session. Preferably, once the sessioncodes are retrieved from file 166, processor 30 purges the session codesfrom the file 166, and resets the "pause mode" flag.

Thereafter, processor 30 proceeds to step 466, wherein the processor 30executes the application portion 145 of the provider-specific software141 to allow the user to generate session codes to send to the PAS 18.The session codes generated in this step may be text messages, ordersfor products, transaction codes, etc. Since portion 145 isprovider-specific, step 466 can generate any session codes dictated bythe provider. Application portion 145 may also include logic forgenerating and changing DPIN's if DPIN's are required by the providerfor some or all of the session codes. Again, since portion 145 isprovider-specific, it can contain logic for causing the processor 30 toperform any function desired by the provider. After step 466 isimplemented, processor 30 queries 467 the user as to whether the userwishes to invoke pause mode. Here, processor 30 gives the user thechance to prematurely halt the process of generating session codes. Ifthe user indicates that pause mode is desired, then processor 30 stores468 the session codes already generated in the current session into file166 of the EKE 14, and sets 469 the "pause mode" flag. Thereafter,processor 30 transfers 470 control back to the UAS-EKE control portion1142 of the RAM 40. On the other hand, if the user does not want toinvoke pause mode, then processor 30 proceeds to step 474.

In step 474, processor 30 retrieves selected recognition parameters fromthe RAM 40. These parameters include the user device file name from file1254 which uniquely identifies the user device 16 to the PAS 18, and oneor more sets of identification information. Identification informationmay include the EKE identification code from file 1250, the EAA fromfile 1256, and a selected provider historical file entry from file 170of the EKE 14. Preferably, these parameters were preset and pre-storedby the provider when the provider issued the EKE 14. The same parametersare preferably stored in storage device 406 of the PAS 18 so that whenuser device 16 and PAS 18 communicate, they will use the same parametersand hence, be able to recognize one another. After step 474, processor30 generates and stores 476 a future user key code (FUKC) into file1258. This key code, as explained later, will be used to generate asubsequent session key code for use in the recognition and comprehensionprocesses. Preferably, the FUKC is generated by using the random numbergenerating capability of the encryption modules 56.

After FUKC is generated, processor 30 executes 478 the communicationsmodules 146 portion of the provider-specific software 141 to properlypackage the session codes. Modules 146 may dictate the length of certainmessage segments, the manner and order in which the sessions codesshould be arranged, and various other provider-specific parameters.Modules 146 may also add on additional information, such as specificinformation needed to form a communications link with the provider (theprovider's telephone number, for example). In short, modules 146 ensurethat the session codes are in a format expected by the provider.

After executing modules 146, processor 30 proceeds to step 480 to derivea current session key code (CSKC). Preferably, the CSKC is derived by:(1) retrieving a current user key code (CUKC) from file 1258 of the RAM40; (2) retrieving a current provider key code (CPKC) from file 1260 ofthe RAM 40; and (3) combining the CUKC and the CPKC to derive the CSKC.Preferably, like the recognition parameters, the CUKC and the CPKC werepreset and pre-stored on the EKE 14 by the provider when the providerissued the EKE 14. Also, the same key codes are preferably stored instorage device 406 of PAS 18 so that when user device 16 and PAS 18communicate, they will use the same key codes and thus, be able tounderstand one another.

Once the CSKC is derived, processor 30 processes 482 the identificationinformation (also referred to herein as the parameters) and sessioncodes using the CSKC. In step 482, processor 30 preferably first placesthe parameters and sessions codes into proper order. In the preferredembodiment, the user device file name is placed at the beginning of thesequence, followed by the identification information (i.e. the EAA, theEKE identification code, and the provider historical file entry), theFUKC, and the session codes. The parameters and session codes are nowready to be processed. Preferably, processor 30 processes the parametersand session codes by encrypting (by executing modules 56) the EAA, theEKE identification coda, the provider historical file entry, the FUKC,and the session codes using the CSKC as the encryption key. Preferably,the user device file name is left unencrypted.

As an option that would conform with the digital signature standard(DSS) set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST), the identification information, before being encrypted using theCSKC, may be first encrypted using the digital signature algorithm (DSA)proposed by the NIST. If this is done, then the identificationinformation will be double-encrypted when encrypted using the CSKC. Theidentification information, processed in this manner, will serve as thedigital signature of the user device 16, compliant with the federalstandard.

Once the parameters and session codes are processed, processor 30packages 484 the processed parameters and session codes using the properprotocol. Step 484 is preferably carried out by executing communicationsmodules 58 and specifying a particular protocol to be used. Oncepackaged, the information is ready to be sent to the PAS 18.

At this point, processor 30 queries 485 the user as to whether delayedtransmission mode is desired. If delayed transmission mode is desired,then it means that the processed information should not be sent to thePAS 18 at this time but instead should be stored in file 166 for latertransmission. In such a case, processor 30 stores 486 the processedparameters and session codes into file 166 of the EKE 14, sets 487 thedelayed transmission flag, and thereafter transfers control 488 back tothe UAS-EKE control portion 1142 of the RAM 40.

On the other hand, if delayed transmission mode is not desired, thenprocessor 30 sends 490 the processed parameters and session codes to thePAS 18 via the communications interface 34, and then waits 490 for aresponse.

The flow of operation now switches to the PAS 18. With reference toFIGS. 10 and 12, the operation of PAS 18 will now be described. Asmentioned above, processor 400 executes control program 408 to carry outthe recognition and comprehension functions of the PAS 18. Under controlof program 408, processor 400 receives 510 the transmission from theuser device 16 via the PAS communications interface 404. Once thetransmission is received, processor 400 executes 512 the communicationsmodules 410 to disassemble the transmission using the proper protocol.The protocol used is dictated by control program 408. After thetransmission is disassembled, processor 400 extracts 514 from thetransmission the user device file name. Recall that the user device filename was preferably left unencrypted by user device 16; hence, it neednot be processed to be understood. Also recall that the user device filename uniquely identifies the user device 16 to the PAS 18, and that allof the parameters associated with user device 16 are stored in storagedevice 406 in a user file having the user device file name as a name.Therefore, using the user device file name as a reference or an index,processor 400 should be able to access 516 the recognition andcomprehension parameters corresponding to the specific user device 16.Note, however, that if none of the user files stored in the storagedevice 406 have the user device file name as a file name, then it meansthat the user device 16 is an unrecognized device. In such a case,processor 400 preferably terminates communication with the user device16 to prevent unauthorized access to the provider.

Assuming that one of the user files in storage device 406 has the userdevice file name as a file name, then the recognition and comprehensionparameters corresponding to the user device 16 are accessed. Once theparameters are accessed, processor 400 proceeds to derive 518 a currentsession key code (CSKC) for use in processing the processed parametersand session codes. Preferably, the CSKC is derived by combining acurrent user key code (CUKC) stored in the user file with a currentprovider key code (CPKC) stored in the user file. If all is set up andfunctioning properly, the CUKC and the CPKC stored in the user file atthe PAS 18 should be the same as the CUKC and the CPKC stored on the EKE14 (in encrypted form). Hence, the CSKC derived by processor 400 shouldbe the same as that used by the user device 16. After the CSKC isderived, the processed parameters and session codes are processed 520using the CSKC. Preferably, in step 520, processor 400 executes theencryption modules 412 to decrypt the processed parameters and sessioncodes using the CSKC as the decryption key. If the DSA option wasimplemented by the user device 16, then processor 400 will furtherdecrypt the identification information using the DSA. Once the processedparameters and session codes are decrypted, the EKE identification code,the EAA, and the provider historical file entry are compared 522 withthe reference EKE identification code, the reference EAA, and thereference historical file entry stored in the user file. Only if theseparameters are consistent with their corresponding reference parameterswill recognition be established.

If recognition is not established the first time, processor 400preferably grants the user device 16 several more chances to properlyidentify itself. If after several attempts recognition is notestablished, then processor 400 implements 525 its default routine.Ideally, communication between the user device 16 and the PAS 18 shouldbe terminated immediately if the PAS 18 does not recognize the userdevice 16. However, because communications channels are not perfectmedia, information will sometimes be lost or corrupted on the channels.Hence, the user device 16 may not have properly received updateinformation sent by the PAS 18 in a previous session. To make allowancesfor such imperfections, PAS 18 grants the user device 16 an alternative(default) method by which to identify itself. In step 525, processor 400preferably sends a special code to the user device 16 to invoke defaultmode. Preferably included with this special code are three requests: (1)a request that the user device 16 retrieve some information that isunique to the user device 16 (this information may include parametersfrom both the last complete and incomplete sessions, for example); (2) arequest to process this information using the default key code; and (3)a request to send the processed information to the PAS 18.

In response to the special code and to the requests, the user device 16implements its default procedures 494 (FIG. 12). Preferably, user device16 carries out step 494 by retrieving the information requested,processing the information using the default key code in file 1262 ofthe RAM 40, and sending the processed information to the PAS 18 forverification. Preferably, the requested information is encrypted usingthe default key code as the encryption key.

Upon receiving the alternate transmission from the user device 16,processor 400 of the PAS 18 decrypts the transmission using the defaultkey code stored in the user file corresponding to the user device 16.This default key code should be the same as that stored in file 162 ofthe EKE 14 if the user device 16 is a valid device. Thereafter,processor 400 compares the information sent by the user device 16 withreference information stored in the user file. If the two sets ofinformation are inconsistent due to the wrong information being sent orthe wrong default key code being used, then processor 400 terminates 527communication with the user device 16. Invalid user devices are thusprecluded from communicating with the PAS 18. On the other hand, if thetwo sets of information are consistent, then recognition is establishedand communication between the user device 16 and the PAS 18 is allowedto continue. In such a case, PAS 18 sends a request to the user device16 to encrypt the FUKC and the session codes using the default key codein file 1262 of the RAM 40, and to send the encrypted information. Uponreceiving the requested information from the user device 16, processor400 decrypts the information using the default key code stored in theuser file and derives therefrom the FUKC and the session codes. Recovery528 from a previous incomplete session is thus achieved.

Once recognition is established between user device 16 and PAS 18,processor 400 proceeds to step 529 to determine whether any of thesession codes received from the user device 16 requires an accompanyingDPIN. For each set of session codes which requires a DPIN, processor 400checks 548 for whether a DPIN has been included. If not, then thesession codes are disregarded 556. If a DPIN is included, then processor400 determines 550 whether the DPIN matches the reference DPIN stored inthe user file. If the DPIN's do not match, the session codes aredisregarded. However, if the DPIN's do match, then processor 400proceeds to check 552 for an instruction to change a DPIN. If a proper"change DPIN" instruction including a new DPIN is found, then processor400 replaces the old DPIN with the new DPIN.

Processor 400 thereafter proceeds to step 530 to either process thesession codes or to relay the session codes to a separate providerprocessing device (not shown). Whether the PAS 18 processes the sessioncodes or relays the session codes to another device is a matter ofdesign choice. If the session codes are processed by PAS 18, thenprocessor 400 executes the session code processing module 410 to carryout the processing function. The steps taken in processing the sessioncodes will vary greatly from application to application. Regardless ofwhether the PAS 18 processes or relays the session codes, once thesession codes are processed, a set of confirmation codes is generated.These continuation codes may include updates to the user historical file164 on the EKE 14, remote privileges to be stored in file 168 of the EKE14, and updates to the provider historical file 170 on the EKE 14.Preferably, all remote privileges and updates to the provider historicalfile 170 are encrypted using a secret provider key code which is unknownto the user device. This ensures that the user device 16 will not beable to access, alter, or comprehend this information. This aspect ofthe invention is especially useful for the provider historical file 170.Since neither the user nor the user device 16 can access or alter theinformation contained in file 170, this file can be used as an objectiverecord to resolve account disputes. At this point, it should be notedthat each provider historical file update sent by the provider containstwo parts: a substantive update portion and a corresponding entrydesignation. As noted above, the substantive update portion ispreferably encrypted using a secret provider code. However, thecorresponding entry designation is preferably not encrypted using thesecret provider code. This is done to allow the user device 16 tounderstand and to manipulate the entry designation.

After the confirmation codes are generated, processor 400 goes on toupdate 534 the recognition and comprehension parameters. Preferably,step 534 is carried out by first storing in the user file in storage 406the FUKC received from the user device. Along the same line, processor400 also generates and stores a future provider key code (FPKC) in theuser file. Preferably, the FPKC is generated by executing the encryptionmodules 412, using its random number generating capabilities. Thesefuture key codes FUKC, FPKC will be used by the user device 16 and thePAS 18 to derive key codes used in a future communication sessionbetween the two devices. In addition, processor 400 preferably furthergenerates a new provider historical file entry designation. This newentry designation indicates to the user device 16 which providerhistorical file entry to send as identification information in thefuture communication session.

After the FPKC and the new entry designation are generated and after thefuture key codes (FUKC, FPKC) are stored, processor 400 goes on toderive a new user device file name. This new user device file name,which preferably is unique, will be used by the user device 16 toidentify itself to the PAS 18 in a subsequent communication session.Hence, the user device file name used in the current session will not bevalid in the future session. Once the new user device file name isderived, processor 400 changes the name of the user file, wherein all ofthe parameters corresponding to the user device 16 are stored, to thenew user device file name. This ensures that when the new user devicefile name is used as a reference or index in a subsequent session, allof the parameters corresponding to the user device 16 will be found. Inaddition to the key codes and the user device file name, processor 400may also update the EAA associated with the user device 16. Once that isdone, the updating process is complete.

After step 534, processor 400 begins preparing a return transmission tothe user device. Processor 534 begins the preparation process by placing536 the various portions of the return transmission into the properrecognition and comprehension sequence. Any desired sequence may beused, but in the preferred embodiment, the user device file name used inthe current session is placed first, followed by the confirmation codes,the FPKC, the new user device file name, the new EAA, and the new entrydesignation. Positioned in the proper sequence, the message componentsare now ready to be processed 538.

Preferably, processor 400 carries out the processing step 538 byencrypting (by executing modules 412) all of the message componentsusing a new current session key code. This new current session key codeis preferably derived by combining the FUKC and the CPKC stored in theuser file. Once the message components are encrypted using the newcurrent session key code as the encryption key, then processor 400executes the communications control module 410 to assemble the encryptedmessage components using the proper protocol. Thereafter, processor 400sends 540 the assembled message components to the user device 16 via thecommunications interface 404. The flow of operation now switches back tothe user device 16.

Referring again to FIG. 11, when the return message from the PAS 18 isreceived 496 by the user device 16 via the communications interface 34,the processor 30 begins processing 496 the return message. Preferably,processor 30 carries out step 496 by first executing the communicationsmodules 58 to disassemble the message using the proper protocol.Thereafter, processor 30 decrypts the return message using a new currentsession key code. Preferably, processor 30 derives the new currentsession key code by combining the FUKC stored in file 1258 of the RAM 40with the CPKC stored in file 1260 of the RAM 40. Once the return messageis decrypted using the new current session key code, processor 30extracts a decrypted user device file name therefrom and compares 498this file name with the user device file name stored in file 1254 of theRAM 40. If the file names are not consistent, then recognition is notestablished; hence, processor 30 disregards 499 the return message.

On the other hand, if the file names are consistent, then processor 30goes on to update 500 the recognition and comprehension parameters andthe historical files. More specifically, processor 30 stores the newuser device file name, the new EAA, and the FPKC received from the PAS18 into files 1254, 1256, and 1260 of the RAM 40, respectively. Inaddition, processor 30 stores the new entry designation. Furthermore,processor 30 stores user updates into the user historical file 1264,stores encrypted provider updates into the provider historical file 170,stores the entry designations corresponding to the encrypted providerupdates into file 1270, and stores any encrypted remote privileges intothe remote privilege authorization file 168 of the EKE 14. The updatingprocess is thus complete. The current communication session between theuser device 16 and the PAS 18 is also complete. Hence, processor 30transfers 502 control back to the UAS-EKE control portion 1142.

The next time the user device 16 communicates with the PAS 18, the samegeneral process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 will be implemented. However,note that in the next communication session, different recognition andcomprehension parameters will be used. In particular, the new userdevice file name will be used by the user device 16 to identify itselfto the PAS 18. Also, the new EAA will be sent to the PAS 18 instead ofthe EAA used in this past session. In addition, a different providerhistorical file entry, indicated by the new entry designation, will besent to the PAS 18. Furthermore, the session key code which will be usedto process the parameters and session codes will be derived by combiningthe future user key code (FUKC) and the future provider key code (FPKC)stored in files 1258 and 1260 of the RAM 40, respectively. The sameupdated parameters are preferably also stored in the user file stored inthe PAS storage device 406 (assuming that the previous session wasproperly completed); hence, the user device 16 and the PAS 18 will beable to recognize and comprehend one another. In the manner describedabove, the user device 16 and the PAS 18 of the present invention areable to effect secure communication through a general purposecommunications link.

User Device-PAS Operation Using Public Key Exchange Scheme

Thus far, the invention has been described as implementing acommunication methodology wherein a single current session key code isused both to encrypt and to decrypt information transferred between theuser device 16 and the PAS 18. While this methodology is effective,there are other methodologies which may be used. One possiblealternative methodology involves the use of a public key exchange (PKE)scheme. The basic concept underlying the PKE scheme is that a key codemay be split into two portions: a public portion and a private portion.The public portion is used to encrypt information, while the privateportion is used to decrypt the encrypted information. Important pointsto note are that: (1) the public portion of the code cannot be used todecrypt the encrypted information; and (2) it is extremely difficult toderive the private portion given just the public portion. Thus, underthe PKE scheme, a number of different components can have and use thepublic portion of the code to encrypt information, but only a componenthaving the private portion of the code can decrypt and, thus, understandthe information. Such an encryption scheme can be implementedadvantageously in the system of the present invention.

In system 10, a PKE scheme is implemented preferably by using twopublic/private codes. First, a user code, having a public portion and aprivate portion, is used to communicate with the user device 16.Specifically, the public portion of the user code is used by the PAS 18to encrypt information sent to the user device 16, while the privateportion of the user code is used by the user device 16 to decryptinformation received from the PAS 18. Second, a provider code, alsohaving a public and a private portion, is used to communicate with thePAS 18. In particular, the public portion of the provider code is usedby the user device 16 to encrypt information sent to the PAS 18, whilethe private portion of the provider code is used by the PAS 18 todecrypt information received from the user device 16. These twopublic/private codes are preferably updated in accordance with theteachings of the present invention to enhance the security of thesystem. To ensure that the user device 16 and the PAS 18 will be able tounderstand each other in an initial communication session, code portionsare preferably pre-stored in both components. Specifically, the privateportion of the user code and the public portion of the provider code arepreferably pre-stored in files 158 and 160, respectively, of the EKE 14.Likewise, the public part of the user code and the private part of theprovider code are preferably pre-stored in the user file correspondingto the user device 16 in the storage 406.

In order to implement a PKE scheme in system 10 of the presentinvention, the user device-PAS control portion 1144 (FIG. 9b) and therecognition and comprehension control program 408 (FIG. 10) will need tobe modified. Preferably, portion 1144 takes the new form shown in FIG.13, and program 408 takes the new form shown in FIG. 14. Note that theflow diagram of FIG. 13 is substantially similar to that of FIG. 11, andthat the flow diagram of FIG. 14 is substantially similar to the flowdiagram of FIG. 12. This similarity arises from the fact that for themost part, the functions performed by control programs 1144, 408 remainthe same for the public/private key code embodiment. The only differenceis that information is exchanged in a different manner.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the exchange of information in system10 using public/private codes will now be described in detail. As statedpreviously, user device 16 commences interaction with the PAS 18 byhaving processor 30 execute the user device-PAS control portion 1144.Under control of portion 1144, processor 30 begins the interactionprocess by checking 600 for the update flag. If the update flag is notset, then processor 30 proceeds to step 610. However, if the update flagis set, then it means that delayed transmission mode was invoked in aprevious session, which in turn means that there is a return messagefrom the PAS 18 stored in file 167 of the EKE 14 which requiresprocessing. In such a case, processor 30 carries out step 602 to processthe stored message. Specifically, processor 30 retrieves a current userprivate code (CUPRC) from file 1258 of the RAM 40 (which represents theprivate portion of the current user code), and uses this CUPRC todecrypt the return message from the PAS 18. Once the return message isdecrypted (and thereafter preferably purged from file 167), processor 30extracts a user device file name therefrom and compares 604 theextracted file name to the user device file name stored in file 1254 ofthe RAM 40. If the two file names are not consistent, then recognitionis not established. Hence, the return message is disregarded 606. On theother hand, if the two file names are consistent, then processor 30 goeson to update 608 the recognition and comprehension parameters and thehistorical flies using the decrypted information from file 167. Theparameter updates may include storing a new user device file name infile 1254, storing a future provider public code in file 1260, andpossibly some other updates. After updating the user device 18,processor 30 proceeds to step 610 to carry out its regular preparationfunctions.

In step 610, processor 30 determines whether the user wishes to preparea transmission for sending to the PAS 18. This determination ispreferably made by soliciting a response from the user. If transmissionpreparation is not desired, then processor 30 transfers 619 control backto the UAS-EKE control portion 1142. However, if the user wishes toprepare a transmission for the PAS 18, then processor 30 proceeds tostep 613 to check for the "pause mode" flag. If this flag is set, thenit means that session codes from a previous session are stored in file166 of the EKE 14. In such a case, processor 30 preferably retrieves 614(and thereafter purges) the session codes from file 166 so that thepreviously generated session codes may be used in the current session.If the "pause mode" flag is not set, then processor 30 skips step 614and proceeds to step 615.

In step 615, processor 30 executes the application portion 145 of theprovider-specific software 141 to allow the user to generate sessioncodes to send to the PAS 18. After step 615 is implemented, processor 30queries 616 the user as to whether the user wishes to invoke pause mode.If so, then processor 30 stores 617 the already generated session codesinto file 166 of the EKE 14, sets 618 the "pause mode" flag, andthereafter transfers 619 control back to the UAS-EKE control portion1142. On the other hand, if the user does nor want to invoke pause mode,then processor 30 proceeds to step 624, wherein the processor 30retrieves selected recognition parameters from the RAM 40. Theseparameters include the user device file name stored in file 1254 and atleast one set of identification information. In the preferredembodiment, the identification information includes the EKEidentification code, the EAA, and a selected entry from the providerhistorical file 170. This identification information is included forrecognition purposes.

After retrieving the recognition parameters, processor 30 executes theencryption modules 56 to generate 628 a future user code. This user codepreferably includes a public portion, referred to as the future userpublic code (FUPUC) and a private portion, referred to as the futureuser private code (FUPRC). The FUPRC is stored in file 1258 for futurereference, while the FUPUC will be sent to the PAS 18. These futurecodes will be used in a future communication session to achievecomprehension with the user device 16. Once the future user key code isgenerated, processor 30 executes 632 the communications modules portion146 of the provider-specific software 141. As noted previously, portion146 causes the session codes to be organized in a manner expected by thePAS 18.

After step 632, processor 30 proceeds to step 640 to process theparameters and key codes. In step 640, processor 30 preferably firstplaces the parameters and session codes into proper order. In thepreferred embodiment, the user device file name is placed at thebeginning of the sequence, followed by the identification information,the session codes, and the FUPUC. Once properly sequenced, the messagecomponents are processed 640. Preferably, processor 30 processes theparameters and session codes by first retrieving a current providerpublic code (CPPUC) from file 1260 of the RAM 40, which represents thepublic portion of the current provider code used by the PAS 18.Thereafter, processor 30 preferably uses the CPPUC as an encryption keyto encrypt all of the message components except for the user device filename. Preferably, encryption is carried out by executing the encryptionmodules 56. As an option, to conform with the NIST's digital signaturestandard, the identification information may be encrypted using the DSAbefore being encrypted using the CPPUC. If this option is chose, thenthe identification information will be double-encrypted when sent to thePAS 18. The identification information thus processed will serve as thedigital signature of the user device 16. After the message componentsare processed, processor 30 executes the communications module 58 topackage 644 the processed message components using the proper protocol.After step 644, the information packet is ready to be sent to the PAS18.

At this point, processor 30 prompts the user to determine whether theuser wishes to invoke delayed transmission mode. If so, then processor30 stores 648 the information packet into file 166 for subsequenttransmission to the PAS 18, sets 649 the delayed transmission flag, andtransfers 650 control back to the UAS-EKE control portion 1142. On theother hand, if delayed transmission mode is not desired, then processor30 sends 652 the information packet to the PAS 18 via the communicationsinterface 34 and waits for a response. The flow of operation nowswitches to the PAS 18.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the PAS processor 400, under control of therecognition and comprehension control program 408, receives 700 theinformation packet from the user device 16 via the communicationsinterface. Upon receiving the packet, processor 30 executes thecommunications module 410 to disassemble the packet using the properprotocol. Once the packet is disassembled, processor 400 extracts 708the unencrypted user device file name from the packet and, using thisuser device file name as a reference, the processor 400 accesses 712 theuser file in storage 406 corresponding to the user device 16. This userfile contains all of the relevant recognition and comprehensioninformation for the user device 16. Once the user file is accessed,processor 400 retrieves a current provider private code (CPPRC) from theuser file, and uses this CPPRC to process 716 the information in thepacket. Preferably, in step 716, processor 400 executes the encryptionmodules 412 to decrypt the information in the packet using the CPPRC asthe decryption key. If the DSA option was implemented by the user device16, then processor 400 will further decrypt the identificationinformation using the DSA. After the information is decrypted, theidentification information included in the packet is compared 720 withreference identification information stored in the user file. Morespecifically, the EKE identification code is compared with a referenceidentification code, the EAA is compared with a reference EAA, and theprovider historical file entry is compared with a reference file entry.If the two sets of identification information are consistent, thenrecognition is established. Otherwise, processor 400 grants the userdevice 16 several more chances to identify itself. If after theseadditional opportunities recognition is still not established, thenprocessor 400 preferably carries out its default/recovery procedure726-729. Steps 726-729 are substantially the same as steps 525-528previously described; hence, they need not be described again here.Also, the default procedure implemented by the user device 16 in step658 (FIG. 13) is substantially the same as that implemented in step 494,which was previously described. Thus, step 658 need not be describedagain here.

Once recognition is established, processor 400 proceeds to step 730 todetermine whether any of the session codes received from the user device16 requires an accompanying DPIN. For each set of session codes whichrequires a DPIN, processor 400 checks 732 for whether a DPIN has beenincluded. If not, then the session codes are disregarded 734. If a DPINis included, then processor 400 determines 736 whether the DPIN matchesthe reference DPIN stored in the user file. If the DPIN's do not match,the session codes are disregarded. However, if the DPIN's do match, thenprocessor 400 checks 738 for an instruction to change DPIN. If a proper"change DPIN" instruction is found, then processor 400 replaces 740 theold DPIN with the new DPIN included in the "change DPIN" instruction.

Thereafter, processor 400 proceeds to step 742 to either process thesession codes or to relay the session codes to a separate providerprocessing device (not shown). Whether the processor 400 processes orrelays the session codes is a matter of design choice. If the processor400 is responsible for processing the session codes, then it executesthe session code processing program 414 to carry out this function.Regardless of whether the PAS 18 processes or relays the session codes,once the session codes are processed, a set of confirmation codes isgenerated. Preferably, the confirmation codes contain information suchas updates to the user historical file, encrypted (using providerencryption unknown to the user) updates 16 the provider historical file,and encrypted (using provider encryption unknown to the user) remoteprivileges to be stored in file 168.

Once the confirmation codes are derived 746, processor 400 beginsupdating 750 the recognition and comprehension parameters. A number ofoperations are performed in step 750. First, processor 400 generates afuture provider code having a public portion, referred to as the futureprovider public code (FPPUC), and a private portion, referred to as thefuture provider private code (FPPRC). These future codes FPPUC, FPPRCwill be used in a subsequent communication session to achievecomprehension with the PAS 18. The FPPRC is preferably stored in theuser file for future reference by the processor 400, while the FPPUC issent as an update to the user device 16. Also, in step 750, processor400 stores the FUPUC received from the user device 16 in the user filefor future reference. This future code will be used to encrypt a futuremessage to the user device. In addition, in step 750, processor 400generates a new user device file name to be used by the user device in asubsequent session to identify itself to the PAS 18. Once the new userdevice file name is generated, processor 400 changes the name of theuser file to the new user device file name. This ensures that when thenew user device file name is later used as a reference, the proper userfile will be accessed. Furthermore, a new EAA may be generated. Finally,in step 750, processor preferably sets a new entry designation for theuser device 16. Recall that in identifying itself to the PAS 18, theuser device 16 sends a designated entry of the provider historical fileto the PAS 18 as identification information. Changing the entrydesignation will cause the user device to send a different set ofidentification information in the next session. Hence, theidentification information is indirectly changed and updated.

After step 750, processor 400 begins preparing a return message to theuser device 16. First, processor 400 places 754 all of the messagecomponents into the proper recognition and comprehension sequence.Preferably, the user device file name is placed first in the sequence,followed by the confirmation codes, the FPPUC, the new user device filename, the new EAA, and the new entry designation. Once in the propersequence, the message components are processed 758 using a current userpublic code (CUPUC) stored in the user file. Preferably, in step 758,processor 400 executes the encryption modules 412 to encrypt the messagecomponents using the CUPUC as the encryption key. After the messagecomponents are processed, processor 400 executes the communicationmodule 410 to package the return message components using the properprotocol. Thereafter, the return message is sent 762 to the user devicevia the communications interface 404. The flow of operation now switchesback to the user device 16.

Referring again to FIG. 13, processor 30 of the user device 16 receivesthe return message from the PAS 18 via the communications interface 34.Upon receipt of the return message, processor 30 begins processing 662.Preferably, processor 30 processes the return message by first executingthe communication modules 58 to disassemble the return message using theproper protocol. Once the message is disassembled, processor 30 decryptsthe message components using a current user private code (CUPRC) storedin file 1258 of the RAM 40. After the message is decrypted, theprocessor 30 extracts the user device file name from the message, andcompares 666 it to the user device file name stored in file 1254 of theRAM 40. If the two file names are not consistent, then recognition isnot established; hence, the return message is disregarded 668. On theother hand, if the two file names are consistent, then processor 30proceeds to update 670 the parameters and historical files. Moreparticularly, processor 30 stores the new device file name into file1254 of the RAM 40, and the new EAA into file 1256. Also, processor 30stores the FPPUC received from the PAS 18 into file 1260 for futurereference. In addition, processor 30 stores user historical updates intofile 1264, provider encrypted historical updates into file 170, andencrypted remote privileges into file 168. Finally, processor 30 storesthe new entry designation received from the PAS 18. This new designationwill be used in the next communication session to determine which entryof the provider historical file 170 to send to the PAS 18 asidentification information. After updating the user device 16 asdescribed, the current communication session is completed. Thus, controlis transferred 674 back to the UAS-EKE control portion 1140.

In the next communication session between the user device 16 and the PAS18, the same general sequence of operation as that described inconnection with FIGS. 13 and 14 will take place. However, in the nextsession, different recognition and comprehension parameters will beused. Specifically, user device 16 will identify itself using the newuser device file name instead of the user device file name used in thispast session. A different set of identification information will be sentto the PAS 18, including a new EAA and a different provider historicalfile entry. The user device 16 will use the FPPUC to encrypt theinformation sent to the PAS 18. The PAS 18 will use the FPPRC to decryptthe information received from the user device 16. The PAS 18 wll use theFUPUC to encrypt the return message to the user device 16. Finally, theuser device 16 will use the FUPRC to decrypt the return message from thePAS 18. As shown by the above description, the system 10 of the presentinvention is quite dynamic. This dynamic nature, combined with theimplementation of the unique recognition and comprehensionmethodologies, makes the system 10 highly secure. This high level ofsecurity in turn makes it possible to conduct important transactions viaa general purpose communications link. This desirable result was notrealistically achievable with the prior art systems. Hence, the presentinvention provides a significant improvement over the prior art.

Representative Applications of the Present Invention

As noted above, one of the major advantages of the present invention isthat it can be implemented in a wide variety of applications to achievea wide variety of purposes. To illustrate the versatility of theinvention, several representative applications will now be described.Overall, the invention may be applied to at least three broad categoriesof systems: (1) communications systems; (2) transactional systems; and(3) authorization systems. As used herein, a communications systemrefers to a system wherein two devices exchange information via acommunications link, a transactional system refers to a system whereintwo devices cooperate to complete one or more transactions via acommunications link, and an authorization system refers to a systemwherein a requesting device receives authorization from a coordinatingdevice via a communications link. As defined, these categories are notmutually exclusive; hence, some of the systems described below may fallwithin more than one of these categories.

Communications Applications

One of the communications systems in which the present invention may beimplemented is a personal message management system. A block diagram ofsuch a system 1300 is shown in FIG. 15, comprising a user sending device1302, a paging service provider PAS 1304, and a user receiving device1306. In system 1300, user sending device 1302 generates a message forthe receiving device 1306, and thereafter passes the message on to thePAS 1304. In turn, the PAS 1304 processes the message and passes it onto the appropriate receiving device 1306. No human intervention isneeded. To generate a message, the user sending device 1302 is firstformed by coupling the sender UAS 1310 to the sender EKE 1312.Preferably, when devices 1310 and 1312 are coupled together, theyimplement the recognition and comprehension methodologies of the presentinvention to ensure that they are authorized to interact with eachother. Once it is determined that the devices 1310, 1312 may interact, amessage is generated using the user sending device 1302. This messagemay be encrypted in accordance with an encryption key which ispre-established between the sending device 1302 and the receiving device1306. Encrypting the message in this manner ensures that the serviceprovider will not be able to understand the message. Once the message isgenerated and encrypted, the sending device 1302 passes the message onto the PAS 1304. Preferably, the recognition and comprehensionmethodologies described above with regard to user device 16 and PAS 18are implemented between devices 1302 and 1304. This serves: (1) toverify that the devices 1302, 1304 are authorized to communicate withone another; and (2) to ensure that communication between the sendingdevice 1302 and the PAS 1304 is secured. Note that by the time themessage arrives at the PAS 1304, the message has been double-encrypted.It was first encrypted using the encryption key established betweendevice 1302 and 1306. It was double-encrypted using an encryption keypre-established between device 1302 and the PAS 1304.

When the PAS 1304 receives the message from sending device 1302, itcarries out the recognition and comprehension methodologies of thepresent invention to determine whether the sending device 1302 is arecognized or valid device. Once the paging service provider PAS 1304determines that sending device 1302 is a recognized device, it decryptsthe message from the sending device 1302 using the encryption keypre-established between the sending device 1302 and the PAS 1304.Thereafter, the PAS 1304 reencrypts the message using an encryption keypre-established between the PAS 1304 and the receiving device 1306.After this procedure, the message is again double encrypted. Moreparticularly, the message carries both the encryption imposed by thesending device 1302, and the encryption imposed by the PAS 18.Thereafter, PAS 1304 relays the double encrypted message to the receiverEKE 1314 of the receiving device 1306. In the preferred embodiment, thereceiver EKE 1314, in addition to being a regular EKE, further comprisesa receiving mechanism 1318 for receiving and storing the message fromthe PAS 1304. The receiving mechanism may be a standard receivingmechanism, such as that found on currently available pagers. Oncereceived, the message is stored on EKE 1314 for subsequent reference.

To read the message from the sending device 1302, the receiver EKE 1314is coupled to the receiver UAS 1316. Preferably, the recognition andcomprehension methodologies described above in connection with UAS 12and EKE 14 are carried out between devices 1314 and 1316 to verify thatthe devices are authorized to interact. Once authorization is verified,the receiving device 1306 decrypts the message by first using theencryption key pre-established between the PAS 1304 and the receivingdevice 1306, and then by using the encryption key pre-establishedbetween the sending device 1302 and the receiving device 1306. Oncedecrypted, the message is read by the user via the display of thereceiver UAS 1316. The message is thus conveyed from the sender to thereceiver. In the manner described, the system 1300 of FIG. 15 allows amessage to be securely sent from one user to another with no humanintervention.

Another communications system in which the present invention may beimplemented is an electronic polling management system. Such a system1320 is shown in FIG. 16, comprising a polling device 1322, formed by apolling UAS 1326 and a polling EKE 1328, and a polling management PAS1324. In the system 1320 of FIG. 16, it is envisioned that the PAS 1324will be managed and operated by a polling authority, and that thepolling EKE 1328 will be provided by the polling authority containingall of the necessary information and software. Preferably, each pollingEKE 1328 is assigned to one and only one voter and is uniquelyrecognizable by the PAS 1324. This ensures that each voter can vote onlyonce in each poll or election.

In system 1320, to cast a vote, a voter inserts the polling EKE 1328into his own UAS 1326. Preferably, devices 1326 and 1328 implement therecognition and comprehension methodologies of the present invention toverify that the devices are authorized to interact with each other.After it is determined that the devices are authorized to interact, theUAS 1326 runs the balloting software on the polling EKE 1328 to allowthe voter to enter his vote or votes. Once the votes are entered, thepolling device 1322 processes and sends the polling information on tothe PAS 1324 via the communications link. Preferably, in processing andsending the polling information, the polling device 1322 implements therecognition and comprehension methodologies of the present invention.When the processed polling information is received by the pollingmanagement PAS 1324, the PAS 1324 in turn implements the recognition andcomprehension methodologies of the present invention. More specifically,PAS 1324 determines whether the polling device 1322 is a valid device.If so, then PAS 1324 decrypts the polling information using anencryption key pre-established between the polling device 1322 and thePAS 1324 to extract the original polling information therefrom. Oncedecrypted, the polling information is entered and properly processed. Inthe manner described, the system 1320 of FIG. 16 allows a voter to votesecurely from a remote location.

At this point, it should be noted that in system 1320, the same pollingEKE 1328 may be used over and over again to vote in multiple polls andelections. This is because the polling information sent by the pollingdevice 1322 to the PAS 1324 is just a series of alpha or numericchoices. No poll-specific or election-specific information is includedin the transmission or in the polling EKE 1328. Instead, the PAS 1324ascertains what each choice from the polling device 1322 represents byconsulting the official ballot published for that particular poll orelection. The voter enters his choices into the polling device 1322using the same official ballot. Thus, by using the official ballot as acommon reference, the user device 1322 and the PAS 1324 are able tounderstand one another. In the next poll or election, a differentofficial ballot will be published; thus, each choice from the pollingdevice 1322 will represent a different vote for a different matter. Byusing the official ballot as the election reference guide, noelection-specific or poll-specific information will need to be installedon the polling EKE 1328. As a consequence, the same polling EKE 1328 canbe used for each and every poll or election. All that needs to be newlyprovided for each poll or election is the official ballot. By settingthe system 1320 up in this manner, component costs are kept to aminimum.

Transactional Applications

The present invention may also be applied to transactional systems. Atransactional system in which the present invention is implemented isshown in FIG. 17. The personal banking management system 1340 of FIG. 17is quite similar to the basic system 10 shown in FIG. 1, comprising auser UAS 1344 and a user EKE 1346 (which together form the overall userdevice 1342), and an institution PAS 1348. In system 1340, it isenvisioned that the PAS 1348 is managed and operated by a financial orsecurities institution, and that the user EKE 1346 is provided by theinstitution containing all of the information and software needed tocommunicate with the institution PAS 1348.

In general, system 1340 operates in much the same manner as the basicsystem 10 described above. Particularly, the user EKE 1346 couples tothe user UAS 1344 to form the overall user device 1342 whichcommunicates with the institution PAS 1348. Before operating as a unit,however, devices 1344 and 1346 implement the recognition andcomprehension methodologies of the present invention to verify that theyare authorized to interact, to decrypt the encrypted information storedon the user EKE 1346, to perform file management functions, and todynamically update the recognition and comprehension parameters. Oncerecognition and comprehension is achieved, devices 1344 and 1346 operateas a unit to communicate with the PAS 1348. Preferably, user device 1342and PAS 1348 cooperate to carry out the recognition and comprehensionmethodologies of the present invention to determine whether the userdevice 1342 and the PAS 1348 are authorized to transact, and to ensurethat communication between the devices is secure. In addition, thedevices 1342, 1348 cooperate to dynamically update the recognition andcomprehension parameters. These aspects of the invention were previouslydescribed and need not be described again here.

Assuming that all of the proper components are used and that recognitionand comprehension is established among all of the components, a user canremotely access his account using system 1340 by sending an encryptedtransaction address (EAA) to the PAS 1348. This EAA will be decrypted bythe provider to derive an encrypted transaction address (ETA). This ETA,when derived, grants access to the main file 1350 in the PAS 1348 inwhich all of the account information pertaining to the user is stored.The ETA file may have a DPIN associated therewith, in which case, theuser will need to provide a DPIN along with the ETA in order to accessthe main file. As shown in FIG. 17, contained in the main file may be aplurality of sub-files 1352(a)-1352(n), with each sub-file having anassociated sub-address and possibly a DPIN. These sub-files mayrepresent different sub-accounts within the main file, such as achecking account, a savings account, a credit card account, or a dynamicmoney line account 1354. To access these sub-files, the user will needto provide the sub-address and the DPIN for each accessed sub-file. Oncethe sub-files are properly accessed, the user may manipulate theaccounts as he wishes, including transferring funds from one sub-accountto another. Among the parameters that a user can manipulate are theDPIN's. The user can change any or all of the DPIN's by sending theproper instructions to the PAS 1348.

An interesting and useful aspect of the system 1340 of FIG. 17 is thedirect money line account (DMLA) 1354. In the preferred embodiment, thisaccount is used as the base account for a direct money line card (DMLC),which may be used in the same manner as a debit card. Each time the DMLCis used, the DMLA is accessed and funds are deducted therefrom. Toincrease the amount that can be spent using the DMLC, a user simplyneeds to transfer more funds from one or more of the other sub-accountsinto the DMLA 1354. Conversely, to limit the amount that can be spentusing the DMLC, a cap amount can be placed in the DMLA. This aspect ofthe invention is quite useful for imposing limits on the amount of moneythat can be spent by an individual using the DMLC. In addition toabsolute spending limits, several other parameters may also be imposedon the DMLA. For example, a maximum amount per period may be imposed onthe DMLA to limit the amount that can be spent using the DMLC during anyperiod of time. Also, dollar dependent DPIN's may be set in the DMLA sothat in order to access larger amounts of funds, higher order DPIN's arerequired. In addition, a notification parameter can be set in the DMLAwhich dictates that when a certain condition occurs (e.g. when a certainamount of funds is withdrawn from the DMLA), the PAS 1348 pages orotherwise notifies the user. This feature is useful in notifying theuser of possible fraudulent use of the DMLC. Furthermore, certainretailer code restrictions may be imposed on the DMLA so that certainitems (such as liquor, firearms, etc.) cannot be purchased using theDMLC. As these examples illustrate, the combination of the DMLA and theDMLC gives a user a great deal of control over his liquid funds, controlthat is not attainable with cash. By using system 1340 to manipulate theDMLA, a user can freely control, from practically anywhere, the amountof electronic cash immediately available to him through the DMLC, andthe manner in which that electronic cash is used. With a DMLC, a DMLA,and the present invention, a user will no longer need to visit an ATM orto carry cash.

Once a user has an ETA established with his bank, then that ETA may beused by other parties to post transaction notices. These notices may bepayment requests from creditors or deposits from debtors. Preferably,only parties which have been granted permission by the user may postnotices in the user's ETA account. These account-to-account postings maybe effected over normal settlement or dedicated networks in accordancewith rules and conventions established by PAS operators. When a noticeis posted in the user's ETA account, that posting will appear the nexttime the user accesses his ETA account. At that point, the user candecide whether to take action in response to the posting. Morespecifically, the user can decide whether to make the requested paymentfrom one of his sub-accounts, and whether to accept the deposit into oneof his sub-accounts. No action will be taken unless authorized by theuser. Thus, system 1340 of the present invention offers a user theconvenience of account-to-account postings without any sacrifice insecurity.

In system 1340, after a transaction is completed, the PAS 1348 generatesand sends confirmation codes to the user device 1342. These confirmationcodes, which include records of the transaction, are stored as updatesin both the user historical file 164 and the provider historical file170 (FIG. 6) of the user EKE 1346. These records serve as a memorial ofthe transaction. The user historical file 164 of the user EKE 1346 canbe accessed and reviewed by the user (using the user UAS 1344) at anytime. Hence, the user historical file serves as a partial runningstatement of all of the user's accounts.

Thus far, the transactional aspect of the present invention has beendescribed with reference to a banking system. It should be noted,however, that the present invention may be applied to many othertransactional systems. For example, the system 1340 shown in FIG. 17 maybe used to effect direct purchase transactions between consumers andproduct and service providers. Also, system 1340 may be used to directlyeffect securities transactions between investors and market operators.In addition, system 1340 may be used by users to directly manage theirpersonal benefits portfolio without employer support. These and othertransactional applications are within the scope and contemplation of thepresent invention.

Authorizational Applications

As mentioned above, the present invention may also be applied toauthorization systems. An example of an authorization system 1360 inwhich the present invention is implemented is shown in FIG. 18. System1360 preferably comprises the three basic components of the presentinvention: a user UAS 1364; a user EKE 1366 which couples to the userUAS to form the overall user device 1362; and a travel service providerPAS 1368. System 1360 is quite similar to the transactional system 1340shown in FIG. 17, both in form and in configuration. Like system 1340,system 1360 carries out a transaction between the user device 1362 andthe provider PAS 1368. Also like system 1340, system 1360 implements therecognition, comprehension, file management, and parameter updatingfunctions of the present invention. The only difference is that at theend of a transaction, the PAS 1368 of system 1360 sends an authorizationcode to the user device 1362. In response, the user device 1362 storesthis authorization code in the remote privilege authorization file 168of the user EKE 1366. Armed with this authorization code, the user EKE1366 may thereafter be used as verification that a certain travelservice has been purchased. When interfaced with a proper reading device(not shown), the user EKE 1366 can be read to show that the service hasindeed been purchased. Thus, the system 1360 of FIG. 18 turns the userEKE 1366 into a general purpose ticketing device. Consequently, the userEKE 1366 may be used as an airplane ticket, a bus ticket, a rental carvoucher, a hotel voucher, or any other type of ticket or voucher. Infact, there is nothing to limit system 1360 to travel services. It isenvisioned that the user EKE 1366 may be used for admission to variousother services and events such as movies, plays, concerts, museums,restaurants, resorts, etc. The possible applications are limitless.

In addition to being used as a means for admission, the user EKE 1366(having an authorization code stored thereon) may also be used as anauthorization device for an entertainment management system. Toelaborate, it is envisioned that in the near future, a user will be ableto receive a plurality of scrambled signals (representing movies,programs, music, and other forms of entertainment) through anentertainment interface (not shown) installed in his home. The user canunscramble these signals, and thus, access the entertainment materialsif he can provide a proper authorization code to the entertainmentinterface. That is where the system 1360 of FIG. 18 becomes involved. Byusing system 1360, a user can remotely transact with an entertainmentprovider to receive an authorization code therefrom. Once theauthorization code is stored on the user EKE 1366, the EKE 1366 iscoupled to the entertainment interface. The entertainment interface, inturn, accesses the authorization code stored on the EKE 1366 and usesthis code to unscramble the proper signals in the proper manner. Theuser is thus granted access to the desired entertainment material. Asshown by this example, system 1360 gives a user the ability to access,easily and conveniently, any desired entertainment material.

FIG. 19 shows another authorizational system 1370 in which the presentinvention may be advantageously implemented. As shown, system 1370preferably comprises a driver UAS 1371, a driver EKE 1372, an automobilecontrol supervisor 1374, and a plurality of control systems commonlyfound in automobiles. These control systems may include a speed controlsystem 1376, a starter control system 1378, an electrical distributionmechanism 1380 for controlling distribution of power to electricalcomponents in the automobile, on-board distributed processors 1382 forcontrolling the operation of selected components in the automobile, anda fuel flow management mechanism 1384. System 1370 allows an EKE 1372 tobe used as a vehicle controlling device.

To take advantage of system 1370, the driver EKE 1372 is firstprogrammed using the driver UAS. Preferably, when the EKE 1372 iscoupled to the driver UAS, the components implement the recognition andcomprehension methodologies of the present invention to ensure that thecomponents are authorized to interact with each other. Onceauthorization is verified, the processor in the driver UAS preferablyexecutes a control program on the driver EKE 1372 to generate certaincontrol codes. Once generated, the control codes are stored into theremote privilege authorization file 168 of the driver EKE 1372. The EKE1372 is now programmed with the codes that it will need to operate thesystem 1370. Interaction between the driver UAS and the driver EKE 1372is then terminated.

Thereafter, when the driver wishes to operate the automobile, the drivercouples the driver EKE 1372 to the automobile control supervisor 1374,which may be a device situated within the console of the car. Oncecoupled, the control supervisor 1374 reads the control codes storedwithin file 168 of the driver EKE 1372 and controls the systems1376-1378 in the automobile accordingly. System 1370 may be used as aconvenient electronic starting mechanism (replacing ignition keys).System 1370 may also be used as a means for controlling operation of theautomobile. For example, a parent may prevent a child from exceeding thespeed limit by storing control codes within the driver EKE 1372 whichprohibit the speed control system 1376 from allowing the automobile toreach a certain speed. As a further example, selected control codes maybe stored in the driver EKE 1372 to control the electrical distributionmechanism 1380 to prevent selected components from receiving power. Asyet a further example, control codes may be stored in the driver EKE1372 to enable or disable selected on-board processors such that certainoperations, e.g. transmission shifting, fuel flow management, fuelinjection control, etc., are prohibited. This and other controlfunctions may be achieved using system 1370. Overall, system 1370provides a powerful tool for controlling the operation of an automobile.

PAS to PAS Communication

Thus far, the invention has only been described with reference to userdevices communicating with PAS's. It should be noted, however, that withminor modifications, PAS's can communicate directly with each other.FIG. 20 shows a system 1400 wherein a PAS communicates directly withanother PAS, the system 1400 preferably comprising a first PAS 1402having a user device emulation module 1406 incorporated therein, and asecond PAS 1404 also having a user device emulation module 1408incorporated therein. The PAS's 1402, 1404 shown in system 1400 aresubstantially identical in construction to the PAS 18 shown in FIG. 10except that PAS's 1402 and 1404 preferably further comprise a userdevice emulation module 1406, 1408 in the program memory 402. Thesemodules 1406, 1408 are executed by processor 400 whenever the PAS's1402, 1404 wish to communicate directly with another PAS. Thus far,modules 1406 and 1408 have been described as software modules which areexecuted by processor 400. It should be noted, however, that modules1406 and 1408 may also be implemented in hardware. This is within thecontemplation of the present invention.

To describe the operation of system 1400, suppose that PAS 1402 wishesto send a message to PAS 1404. To do so, the processor in PAS 1402executes the user device emulation module 1406 in the program memory toemulate the operation of a user device. Once module 1406 is executed,the PAS 1402 behaves in the same manner as a normal user device 16, i.e.carries out the functions shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. More specifically,PAS 1402 cooperates with the PAS 1404 to implement the recognition andcomprehension methodologies of the present invention. In addition, PAS1402 cooperates with the PAS 1404 to dynamically update the parametersused in the recognition and comprehension methodologies. Throughout thisentire process, PAS 1404 treats the PAS 1402 in the same manner as itwould a normal user device. Preferably, recognition and comprehensionparameters are pre-established between the PAS's 1402, 1404 so that theywill be able to understand each other in their initial session. In thismanner, PAS 1402 is able to communicate directly with PAS 1404. PAS1404, by executing user device emulation module 1408, can communicatedirectly with PAS 1402 in the same manner.

As shown by this example, direct communication between PAS's can beachieved relatively simply. By incorporating a user device emulationmodule, quite similar to the user device-PAS control portion 144 of thePFM 140, into the program memory 404 of a PAS 18, a regular PAS can betransformed into one which is capable of direct PAS to PAScommunication. This embodiment of the PAS will be quite useful in manyapplications, such as in settling accounts between different providers.

User Device to User Device Communication

Along the same line, a user device (comprising a UAS and an EKE) canalso be adapted to communicate directly with another user device. Such asystem 1420 is shown in FIG. 21, comprising a first user device 1422,formed by UAS 1426 and EKE 1428, and a second user device 1424, formedby UAS 1432 and EKE 1434. Notice that each of the EKE's 1428, 1434 hasincorporated therein a PAS emulation module 1430, 1436, respectively. Inthe preferred embodiment, modules 1430 and 1436 are software modulesstored on the EKE's which are executed and by the processors in theUAS's 1426, 1432. If so desired, however, modules 1430 and 1436 may beimplemented in hardware in the UAS's 1426, 1432. This is within thecontemplation of the present invention.

When sending out messages, user devices 1422, 1424 function as normaluser devices. To receive messages, however, user device 1422 (forexample) executes the PAS emulation module 1430 stored within EKE 1428to emulate the behavior of a PAS. When executed, module 1430 causes theuser device 1422 to perform the functions of a regular PAS, i.e. performthe functions shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. More specifically, the receivinguser device 1422 cooperates with the sending user device 1424 toimplement the recognition and comprehension methodologies of the presentinvention, and to update the parameters used in the recognition andcomprehension processes. To ensure that the devices 1422, 1424 will beable understand each other in their initial communication, recognitionand comprehension parameters are preferably pre-established between thedevices. By executing PAS emulation module 1430, user device 1422 willbe able to receive and process communications from user device 1424.Likewise, by executing PAS emulation module 1436, user device 1424 willbe able to receive and process communications from user device 1422.Thus, a direct user communication system is provided.

As shown by this example, direct communication between user devices canbe achieved relatively simply. By incorporating a PAS emulation module,quite similar to the recognition and comprehension control program 408shown in FIG. 10, into the EKE of a user device, a regular user devicecan be transformed into one which is capable of directuser-device-to-user-device communication. This greatly enhances theversatility of a user device.

The invention has now been fully described. While the invention has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments, the invention shouldnot be construed to be so limited. Various modifications can be made bythose of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosurewithout departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the PFM140 on the EKE 14 may be stored unencrypted. That way, processor 30 mayexecute the PFM instructions on the EKE 14 without having to firstdecrypt and store the instructions in the RAM 40. This and othermodifications are within the spirit of the invention. Therefore, theinvention should not be limited by the specific embodiments used toillustrate it but only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a system having a processing device and astorage device, the storage device having a set of instructions and afile stored thereon, a method for coordinating access to said file,comprising the steps of:accessing by the processing device said set ofinstructions stored on the storage device; and executing by theprocessing device said set of instructions to carry out the stepsof:retrieving file access coordination parameters from both the storagedevice and the processing device; processing said parameters todetermine whether the processing device is authorized to access saidfile stored on the storage device; and denying access to said file inresponse to a determination that the processing device is not authorizedto access said file, wherein the processing device further performs thesteps of:deriving a set of new file access coordination parameters; andstoring at least a subset of said new file access coordinationparameters into the storage device for use in coordinating access tosaid file in a future session.
 2. In a system having a processing deviceand a storage device, the storage device having a set of instructionsand a file stored thereon, a method for coordinating access to saidfile, comprising the steps of:accessing by the processing device saidset of instructions stored on the storage device; and executing by theprocessing device said set of instructions to carry out the stepsof:retrieving file access coordination parameters from both the storagedevice and the processing device; processing said parameters todetermine whether the processing device is authorized to access saidfile stored on the storage device; and denying access to said file inresponse to a determination that the processing device is not authorizedto access said file, wherein the step of retrieving file accesscoordination parameters comprises the steps of:retrieving an operationalkey file name and a file identification code from the storage device;and retrieving a key code, using said operational key file name as anindex, from the processing device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein thestep of processing said parameters comprises the steps of:processingsaid file identification code using said key code to derive a processedfile identification code; and comparing said processed fileidentification code with a reference code stored on the storage deviceto determine whether the processing device is authorized to access saidfile.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of processing said fileidentification code comprises the step of:encrypting said fileidentification code using said key code as an encryption key.
 5. In asystem having a processing device and a storage device, the storagedevice having a set of instructions and a file stored thereon, said setof instructions having an unencrypted portion and an encrypted portion,a method for coordinating access to said file, comprising the stepsof:accessing by the processing device said unencrypted portion of saidinstructions; executing by the processing device said unencryptedportion of said instructions to carry out the step of:decrypting saidencrypted portion of said instructions to derive a set of decryptedinstructions; and executing by the processing device said decryptedinstructions to carry out the steps of:retrieving file accesscoordination parameters from both the storage device and the processingdevice; processing said parameters to determine whether the processingdevice is authorized to access said file stored on the storage device;and denying access to said file in response to a determination that theprocessing device is not authorized to access said file.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein the processing device further performs the stepsof:deriving a set of new file access coordination parameters; andstoring at least a subset of said new file access coordinationparameters into the storage device for use in coordinating access tosaid file in a future session.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein thestep of decrypting said encrypted portion of said instructions comprisesthe steps of:retrieving an operational key file name from the storagedevice; retrieving, using said operational key file name as an index, akey code from the processing device; and decrypting said encryptedportion of said instructions using said key code as a decryption key toderive said set of decrypted instructions.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein the step of retrieving file access coordination parameterscomprises the steps of:retrieving an operational key file name and afile identification code from the storage device; and retrieving, usingsaid operational key file name as an index, a key code from theprocessing device.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step ofprocessing said parameters comprises the steps of:processing said fileidentification code using said key code to derive a processed fileidentification code; and comparing said processed file identificationcode with a reference code stored on the storage device to determinewhether the processing device is authorized to access said file.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the step of processing said fileidentification code comprises the step of:encrypting said fileidentification code using said key code as an encryption key.
 11. In asystem having a processing device and a storage device, a method forcoordinating access to a file stored on the storage device, comprisingthe steps of:retrieving from the storage device an operational key filename and a file identification code; retrieving, using said operationalkey file name as an index, a key code from the processing device;processing said file identification code using said key code to derive aprocessed file identification code; and comparing said processed fileidentification code with a reference code stored on the storage deviceto determine whether the processing device is authorized to access saidfile.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:denyingaccess to said file in response to a determination that said processedfile identification code is inconsistent with said reference code. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the step of processing said fileidentification code comprises the step of:encrypting said fileidentification code using said key code as an encryption key.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:deriving a set ofnew file access coordination parameters; and storing at least a subsetof said new file access coordination parameters into the storage devicefor use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:storing a newoperational key file name onto the storage device; and storing a newreference code onto the storage device.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising the steps of:retrieving from the storage device saidnew operational key file name and said file identification code;retrieving, using said new operational key file name as an index, a newkey code from the processing device; processing said file identificationcode using said new key code to derive a new processed fileidentification code; and comparing said new processed fileidentification code with said new reference code to determine whetherthe processing device is authorized to access said file.
 17. The methodof claim 11, further comprising the steps of:retrieving a newoperational key file name and a corresponding new key code from theprocessing device; processing said file identification code using saidnew key code to derive a new reference code; and storing said newoperational key file name and said new reference onto the storage devicefor use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:retrieving from thestorage device said new operational key file name and said fileidentification code; retrieving, using said new operational key filename as an index said new key code from the processing device;processing said file identification code using said new key code toderive a new processed file identification code; and comparing said newprocessed file identification code with said new reference code todetermine whether the processing device is authorized to access saidfile.
 19. In a system having a processing device and a storage device,said storage device having a file and an encrypted file access parametertable stored thereon, a method for coordinating access to said file,comprising the steps of:decrypting said parameter table to derive adecrypted parameter table; extracting from said decrypted parametertable an operational key file name, a file identification code, and areference code associated with said file; retrieving, using saidoperational key file name as an index, a key code from the processingdevice; processing said file identification code using said key code toderive a processed file identification code; and comparing saidprocessed file identification code with said reference code to determinewhether the processing device is authorized to access said file.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the step of processing said fileidentification code comprises the step of:encrypting said fileidentification code using said key code as an encryption key.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the step of decrypting said encryptedparameter table comprises the steps of:retrieving from the storagedevice a second operational key file name; retrieving, using said secondoperational key file name as an index, a second key code from theprocessing device; and decrypting said encrypted parameter table usingsaid second key code as a decryption key.
 22. The method of claim 19,further comprising the steps of:storing a new operational key file namein said decrypted parameter table; and storing a new reference code insaid decrypted parameter table.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising the steps of:encrypting information contained in saiddecrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted file accessparameter table; and storing said new encrypted parameter table onto thestorage device.
 24. The method of claim 19, further comprising the stepsof:retrieving a new operational key file name and a corresponding newkey code from the processing device; processing said file identificationcode using said new key code to derive a new reference code; and storingsaid new operational key file name and said new reference code onto thestorage device for use in coordinating access to said file in a futuresession.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of storing saidnew operational key file name and said new reference code comprises thesteps of:storing said new operational key file name and said newreference code into said decrypted parameter table; encryptinginformation contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a newencrypted file access parameter table; and storing said new encryptedparameter table onto the storage device.
 26. In a system having aprocessing device and a storage device, said storage device having aprocessed file stored thereon, a method for extracting de-processedinformation from said processed file, comprising the steps of:retrievingfrom the storage device an operational key file name associated withsaid processed file; retrieving, using said operational key file name asan index, a key code from the processing device; and processing saidprocessed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processedinformation from said processed file.
 27. The method of claim 26,wherein said processed file is an encrypted file, and wherein the stepof processing said processed file comprises the step of:decrypting saidprocessed file using said key code as a decryption key.
 28. The methodof claim 26, further comprising the following steps, performed prior tothe step of retrieving said operational key file name from the storagedevice:determining whether the processing device is authorized to accesssaid processed file; and denying access to said processed file inresponse to a determination that the processing device is not authorizedto access said processed file.
 29. The method of claim 26, furthercomprising the steps of:processing said de-processed information using anew key code to derive a new processed file; and storing said newprocessed file onto the storage device.
 30. The method of claim 26,further comprising the steps of:retrieving a new operational key filename and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;processing said de-processed information using said new key code toderive a new processed file; and storing said new processed file ontothe storage device.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising thestep of:storing said new operational key file name onto the storagedevice.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of processing saidde-processed information comprises the step of:encrypting saidde-processed information using said new key code as an encryption key.33. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, saidstorage device having a processed file and an encrypted parameter tabsstored thereon, a method for extracting de-processed information fromsaid processed file, comprising the steps of:decrypting said encryptedparameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table; extracting fromsaid decrypted parameter table an operational key file name associatedwith said processed file; retrieving, using said operational key filename as an index, a key code from the processing device; and processingsaid processed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processedinformation from said processed file.
 34. The method of claim 33,wherein said processed file is an encrypted file, and wherein the stepof processing said processed file comprises the step of:decrypting saidprocessed file using said key code as a decryption key.
 35. The methodof claim 33, wherein the step of decrypting said encrypted parametertable comprises the steps of:retrieving from the storage device a secondoperational key file name; retrieving, using said second operational keyfile name as an index, a second key code from the processing device; anddecrypting said encrypted parameter table using said second key code asa decryption key.
 36. The method of claim 33, further comprising thesteps of:determining whether the processing device is authorized toaccess said processed file; and denying access to said processed file inresponse to a determination that the processing device is not authorizedto access said processed file.
 37. The method of claim 33, furthercomprising the steps of:processing said de-processed information using anew key code to derive a new processed file; and storing said newprocessed file onto the storage device.
 38. The method of claim 26,further comprising the steps of:retrieving a new operational key filename and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;processing said de-processed information using said new key code toderive a new processed file; and storing said new processed file ontothe storage device.
 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising thesteps of:storing said new operational key file name into said decryptedparameter table; encrypting information contained in said decryptedparameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and storingsaid new encrypted parameter table onto the storage device.
 40. Themethod of claim 38, wherein the step of processing said de-processedinformation comprises the step of:encrypting said de-processedinformation using said new key code as an encryption key.
 41. A storagedevice for interacting with a processing device, said storage devicecomprising:a first storage unit for storing a file; a second storageunit for storing a first set of file access parameters; means forcausing the processing device to retrieve said first set of file accessparameters; means for causing the processing device to retrieve a secondset of file access parameters from the processing device; means forcausing the processing device to process said first and second sets offile access parameters to determine whether the processing device isauthorized to access said file; and means for causing the processingdevice to deny access to said file in response to a determination thatthe processing device is not authorized to access said file.
 42. Astorage device for interacting with a processing device, said storagedevice comprising:a first storage unit for storing a file; a secondstorage unit for storing an operational key file name, a fileidentification code, and a reference code; means for causing theprocessing device to retrieve said operational key file name and saidfile identification code; means for causing the processing device toretrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key codefrom the processing device; means for causing the processing device toprocess said file identification code using said key code to derive aprocessed file identification code; and means for causing the processingdevice to compare said processed file identification code with saidreference code to determine whether the processing device is authorizedto access said file.
 43. The storage device of claim 42, furthercomprising:means for causing the processing device to derive a set ofnew file access parameters; and means for causing the processing deviceto store at least a subset of said new file access parameters into saidsecond storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in afuture session.
 44. The storage device of claim 42, furthercomprising:means for causing the processing device to store a newoperational key file name into said second storage unit; and means forcausing the processing device to store a new reference code into saidsecond storage unit.
 45. The storage device of claim 42, furthercomprising:means for causing the processing device to retrieve a newoperational key file name and a corresponding new key code from theprocessing device; means for causing the processing device to processsaid file identification code using said new key code to derive a newreference code; and means for causing the processing device to storesaid new operational key file name and said new reference code into saidsecond storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in afuture session.
 46. A storage device for interacting with a processingdevice, said storage device having a file and an encrypted file accessparameter table stored thereon, said storage device comprising:means forcausing the processing device to decrypt said encrypted parameter tableto derive a decrypted parameter table; means for causing the processingdevice to extract from said decrypted parameter table an operational keyfile name, a file identification code, and a reference code associatedwith said file; means for causing the processing device to retrieve,using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from theprocessing device; means for causing the processing device to processsaid file identification code using said key code to derive a processedfile identification code; and means for causing the processing device tocompare said processed file identification code with said reference codeto determine whether the processing device is authorized to access saidfile.
 47. The storage device of claim 46, further comprising:means forcausing the processing device to derive a set of new file accessparameters; means for causing the processing device to store at least asubset of said new file access parameters into said decrypted parametertable; means for causing the processing device to encrypt informationcontained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encryptedparameter table; and means for causing the processing device to storesaid new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit. 48.The storage device of claim 46, further comprising:means for causing theprocessing device to store a new operational key file name and a newreference code into said decrypted parameter table; means for causingthe processing device to encrypt information contained in said decryptedparameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and means forcausing the processing device to store said new encrypted parametertable into said second storage unit.
 49. The storage device of claim 46,further comprising:means for causing the processing device to retrieve anew operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from theprocessing device; means for causing the processing device to processsaid file identification code using said new key code to derive a newreference code; and means for causing the processing device to storesaid new operational key file name and said new reference code into saidsecond storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in afuture session.
 50. The storage device of claim 46, furthercomprising:means for causing the processing device to retrieve a newoperational key file name and a corresponding new key code from theprocessing device; means for causing the processing device to processsaid file identification code using said new key code to derive a newreference code; means for causing the processing device to store saidnew operational key file name and said new reference code into saiddecrypted parameter table; means for causing the processing device toencrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table toderive a new encrypted parameter table; and means for causing theprocessing device to store said new encrypted parameter table into saidsecond storage unit.
 51. A storage device for interacting with aprocessing device, said storage device comprising:a first storage unitfor storing a processed file; a second storage unit for storing anoperational key file name associated with said processed file; means forcausing the processing device to retrieve said operational key filename; means for causing the processing device to retrieve, using saidoperational key file name as an index, a key code from the processingdevice; and means for causing the processing device to process saidprocessed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processedinformation from said processed file.
 52. The storage device of claim51, further comprising:means for causing the processing device todetermine whether the processing device is authorized to access saidprocessed file; and means for causing the processing device to denyaccess to said processed file in response to a determination that theprocessing device is not authorized to access said processed file. 53.The storage device of claim 51, further comprising:means for causing theprocessing device to process said de-processed information using a newkey code to derive a new processed file; and means for causing theprocessing device to store said new processed file into said firststorage unit.
 54. The storage device of claim 51, furthercomprising:means for causing the processing device to retrieve a newoperational key file name and a corresponding new key code from theprocessing device; means for causing the processing device to processsaid de-processed information using said new key code to derive a newprocessed file; and means for causing the processing device to storesaid new processed file into said first storage unit.
 55. The storagedevice of claim 54, further comprising:means for causing the processingdevice to store said new operational key file name into said secondstorage unit.
 56. A storage device for interacting with a processingdevice, said storage device comprising:a first storage unit for storinga processed file; a second storage unit for storing an encryptedparameter table; means for causing the processing device to decrypt saidencrypted parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table; meansfor causing the processing device to extract from said decryptedparameter table an operational key file name associated with saidprocessed file; means for causing the processing device to retrieve,using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from theprocessing device; and means for causing the processing device toprocess said processed file using said key code to extract a set ofde-processed information from said processed file.
 57. The storagedevice of claim 56, further comprising:means for causing the processingdevice to determine whether the processing device is authorized toaccess said processed file; and means for causing the processing deviceto deny access to said processed file in response to a determinationthat the processing device is not authorized to access said processedfile.
 58. The storage device of claim 56, further comprising:means forcausing the processing device to process said de-processed informationusing a new key code to derive a new processed file; and means forcausing the processing device to store said new processed file into saidfirst storage unit.
 59. The storage device of claim 56, furthercomprising:means for causing the processing device to retrieve a newoperational key file name and a corresponding new key code from theprocessing device; means for causing the processing device to processsaid de-processed information using said new key code to derive a newprocessed file; and means for causing the processing device to storesaid new processed file into said first storage unit.
 60. The storagedevice of claim 59, further comprising:means for causing the processingdevice to store said new operational key file name into said decryptedparameter table; means for causing the processing device to encryptinformation contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a newencrypted parameter table; and means for causing the processing deviceto store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storageunit.
 61. A processing assembly, comprising:a processing devicecomprising a processor, a memory coupled to said processor having afirst set of file access parameters stored therein, and a storage deviceinterface coupled to said processor for receiving one of a number ofstorage devices; and a storage device for coupling to said storagedevice interface, said storage device comprising:a first storage unitfor storing a file; a second storage unit for storing a second set offile access parameters; means for causing said processor to retrievesaid first and second sets of file access parameters; means for causingsaid processor to process said first and second sets of file accessparameters to determine whether said processing device is authorized toaccess said file; and means for causing said processor to deny access tosaid file in response to a determination that said processing device isnot authorized to access said file.
 62. A processing assembly,comprising:a processing device comprising a processor, a memory coupledto said processor having a a plurality of file access parameters storedtherein, and a storage device interface coupled to said processor forreceiving one of a number of storage devices; and a storage device forcoupling to said storage device interface, said storage devicecomprising:a first storage unit for storing a file; a second storageunit for storing an operational key file name, a file identificationcode, and a reference code; means for causing said processor to retrievesaid operational key file name and said file identification code; meansfor causing said processor to retrieve, using said operational key filename as an index, a key code from said memory; means for causing saidprocessor to process said file identification code using said key codeto derive a processed the identification code; and means for causingsaid processor to compare said processed file identification code withsaid reference code to determine whether said processing device isauthorized to access said file.
 63. The processing assembly of claim 62,wherein said storage device further comprises:means for causing saidprocessor to derive a set of new file access parameters; and means forcausing said processor to store at least a subset of said new fileaccess parameters into said second storage unit for use in coordinatingaccess to said file in a future session.
 64. The processing assembly ofclaim 62, wherein said storage device further comprises:means forcausing said processor to store a new operational key file name intosaid second storage unit; and means for causing said processor to storea new reference code into said second storage unit.
 65. The processingassembly of claim 62, wherein said storage device furthercomprises:means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operationalkey file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory; meansfor causing said processor to process said file identification codeusing said new key code to derive a new reference code; and means forcausing said processor to store said new operational key file name andsaid new reference code into said second storage unit for use incoordinating access to said file in a future session.
 66. A processingassembly, comprising:a processing device comprising a processor, amemory coupled to said processor having a a plurality of file accessparameters stored therein, and a storage device interface coupled tosaid processor for receiving one of a number of storage devices; and astorage device for coupling to said storage device interface, saidstorage device comprising:a first storage unit for storing a file; asecond storage unit for storing an encrypted file access parametertable; means for causing said processor to decrypt said encryptedparameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table; means for causingsaid processor to extract from said decrypted parameter table anoperational key file name, a file identification code, and a referencecode associated with said file; means for causing said processor toretrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key codefrom said memory; means for causing said processor to process said fileidentification code using said key code to derive a processed fileidentification code; and means for causing said processor to comparesaid processed file identification code with said reference code todetermine whether said processing device is authorized to access saidfile.
 67. The processing assembly of claim 66, wherein said storagedevice further comprises:means for causing said processor to derive aset of new file access parameters; means for causing said processor tostore at least a subset of said new file access parameters into saiddecrypted parameter table; means for causing said processor to encryptinformation contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a newencrypted parameter table; and means for causing said processor to storesaid new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit. 68.The processing assembly of claim 66, wherein said storage device furthercomprises:means for causing said processor to store a new operationalkey file name and a new reference code into said decrypted parametertable; means for causing said processor to encrypt information containedin said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parametertable; and means for causing said processor to store said new encryptedparameter table into said second storage unit.
 69. The processingassembly of claim 66, wherein said storage device furthercomprises:means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operationalkey file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory; meansfor causing said processor to process said file identification codeusing said new key code to derive a new reference code; and means forcausing said processor to store said new operational key file name andsaid new reference code into said second storage unit for use incoordinating access to said file in a future session.
 70. The processingassembly of claim 66, wherein said storage device furthercomprises:means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operationalkey file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory; meansfor causing said processor to process said file identification codeusing said new key code to derive a new reference code; means forcausing said processor to store said new operational key file name andsaid new reference code into said decrypted parameter table; means forcausing said processor to encrypt information contained in saiddecrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; andmeans for causing said processor to store said new encrypted parametertable into said second storage unit.
 71. A processing assembly,comprising:a processing device comprising a processor, a memory coupledto said processor having a a plurality of file access parameters storedtherein, and a storage device interface coupled to said processor forreceiving one of a number of storage devices; and a storage device forcoupling to said storage device interface, said storage devicecomprising:a first storage unit for storing a processed file; a secondstorage unit for storing an operational key file name associated withsaid processed file; means for causing said processor to retrieve saidoperational key file name; means for causing said processor to retrieve,using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from saidmemory; and means for causing said processor to process said processedfile using said key code to extract a set of de-processed informationfrom said processed file.
 72. The processing assembly of claim 71,wherein said storage device further comprises:means for causing saidprocessor to determine whether said processing device is authorized toaccess said processed file; and means for causing said processor to denyaccess to said processed file in response to a determination that saidprocessing device is not authorized to access said processed file. 73.The processing assembly of claim 71, wherein said storage device furthercomprises:means for causing said processor to process said de-processedinformation using a new key code to derive a new processed file; andmeans for causing said processor to store said new processed file intosaid first storage unit.
 74. The processing assembly of claim 71,wherein said storage device further comprises:means for causing saidprocessor to retrieve a new operational key file name and acorresponding new key code from said memory; means for causing saidprocessor to process said de-processed information using said new keycode to derive a new processed file; and means for causing saidprocessor to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.75. The processing assembly of claim 74, wherein said storage devicefurther comprises:means for causing said processor to store said newoperational key file name into said second storage unit.
 76. Aprocessing assembly, comprising:a processing device comprising aprocessor, a memory coupled to said processor having a a plurality offile access parameters stored therein, and a storage device interfacecoupled to said processor for receiving one of a number of storagedevices; and a storage device for coupling to said storage deviceinterface, said storage device comprising:a first storage unit forstoring a processed file; a second storage unit for storing an encryptedparameter table; means for causing said processor to decrypt saidencrypted parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table; meansfor causing said processor to extract from said decrypted parametertable an operational key file name associated with said processed file;means for causing said processor to retrieve, using said operational keyfile name as an index, a key code from said memory; and means forcausing said processor to process said processed file using said keycode to extract a set of de-processed information from said processedfile.
 77. The processing assembly of claim 76, wherein said storagedevice further comprises:means for causing said processor to determinewhether said processing device is authorized to access said processedfile; and means for causing said processor to deny access to saidprocessed file in response to a determination that said processingdevice is not authorized to access said processed file.
 78. Theprocessing assembly of claim 76, wherein said storage device furthercomprises:means for causing said processor to process said de-processedinformation using a new key code to derive a new processed file; andmeans for causing said processor to store said new processed file intosaid first storage unit.
 79. The processing assembly of claim 76,wherein said storage device further comprises:means for causing saidprocessor to retrieve a new operational key file name and acorresponding new key code from said memory; means for causing saidprocessor to process said de-processed information using said new keycode to derive a new processed file; and means for causing saidprocessor to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.80. The processing assembly of claim 79, wherein said storage devicefurther comprises:means for causing said processor to store said newoperational key file name into said decrypted parameter table; means forcausing said processor to encrypt information contained in saiddecrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; andmeans for causing said processor to store said new encrypted parametertable into said second storage unit.